An unannounced safety operation at two high schools in Reiger Park on Tuesday resulted in the discovery and confiscation of various illegal and prohibited items, as authorities intensified efforts to improve school safety in the area.

A coordinated team of 79 officers drawn from the Reiger Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, the Department of Community Safety, CPF, Siyabangena patrollers, Crime Prevention Wardens, and Graphite Security conducted the searches at Reiger Park High School and Oos Rand Commerce and Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation.

During the searches, authorities confiscated a range of items, including 31 vaping devices, six small bags of dagga, four boxes of cigarettes, a 150ml bottle of alcohol (Jameson), five Okapi knives, one table knife, two Siberia nicotine products, a dagga grinder, gambling cards, and sharp scissors.

Police said the aim of the safer schools programme is to prevent crime, remove illegal substances and dangerous weapons from school premises, and ensure a safer learning environment for learners.

Officials involved in the operation emphasised that such unannounced inspections will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb substance abuse and criminal activity in schools across the region.
Police also called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to play a more active role in guiding learners and addressing behavioural challenges early.

Authorities stressed that they cannot win the fight against drugs, alcohol, and weapons alone, and that stronger collaboration between families, community structures, and law enforcement is essential to prevent learners from bringing illegal and dangerous items onto school premises and to promote responsible decision-making among young people.

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