West Rand SAPS brings festive cheer and safety message to Khutsong learners
The event delivered important safety and life lessons, festive entertainment, and practical support, including school uniforms for disadvantaged learners, while strengthening ties between police, schools and the community.
A large group of police officers under the guidance of the West Rand SAPS District Commissioner, Major General Lorraine Challen, brought happiness to learners from Khutsong while at the same time informing them of the dangers that might befall them.
Hlanganani Primary School in Khutsong Extension 3 was a beehive of activity on December 5. Except for the District Commissioner, members of police stations from all over the West Rand, as well as representatives of various businesses supporting the event, including representatives of the Chinese community in the area, attended.
Members of the specialist Public Order Policing and K-9 dog police units and the West Rand District Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Lloyd Khumalo were also there, as were CPF members and community patrollers.
During the formal session, Major General Challen addressed the 300 learners and some parents, explaining the purpose of the visit. She encouraged learners to pray at all times, to start reading, to respect their parents and teachers, and to start the coming year on a high note of studying, and to do their school work as expected.
She concluded her speech by telling everyone attending that they must stay away from drugs, criminal activities, stop the abuse against women and children, and she requested parents to look after their children, as during the festive season, there is an increase in missing children reports.
She also asked everyone to look after themselves during this festive season. She thanked all members who supported the event and encouraged them to continue serving and protecting our communities, especially during this festive season, and she wished everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.
In conclusion, she handed out school uniforms to 100 disadvantaged learners and party packs to the extra 200 learners who attended the event.
The learners were also kept spellbound by a demonstration by a narcotics dog of the Carletonville Dog Unit, while members of the Public Order Policing showed the equipment they use during the protests. The learners were also entertained by Father Christmas.
Hlanganani’s principal, Mr Daniel Baba Morolong, thanked the District Commissioner and her teams for looking after his learners and acknowledging the school and its needs.
