Primrose police tackle scholar transport safety concerns

Primrose SAPS recently hosted a scholar transport meeting at East Rand Academy of Excellence in Primrose.

The meeting brought together scholar transport drivers and leaders of local taxi associations to address concerns surrounding scholar transport operations.

The session focused on issues raised by parents and school principals, including learner safety, loud music, alcohol consumption, and overall driver compliance.

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Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator Warrant Officer Styles Maome led the meeting alongside Warrant Officer Zakaria Mohodu, acting visible policing (Vispol) head.

Maome outlined the agenda, highlighting concerns about taxis playing loud music while picking up and dropping off learners at schools.

“Schools have raised this matter as a serious concern. Loud music does not only disrupt learning but also creates a perception of irresponsibility,” said Maome.

He further addressed issues relating to alcohol consumption and overall driver conduct.

“We also educated drivers about statutory rape and urged them to avoid situations that could lead to such cases. We do not want any cases of rape involving our drivers,” he said.

Mohodu added that drivers must not buy alcohol for learners, even if the learners provide the money.

“Drivers are regarded as adults, and we expect them to behave as such. When parents hand over their children in the morning, they expect them to be under the care of a responsible adult,” said Mohodu.

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He emphasised that every driver must possess a valid driver’s licence, a professional driving permit (PDP), and all legal documentation required to transport learners.

“We also urge you to report any bogus scholar transporters so that we can deal with them accordingly,” he added.

Vothoka Primrose branch chairperson, Obert Mabuza, acknowledged that high school learners can sometimes be challenging but noted that they are also observant of what happens in scholar transport vehicles.

“As parents ourselves, we are strict about what happens in our transport vehicles. We do not allow anyone to smoke or drink alcohol,” said Mabuza.

He assured attendees that the issue of loud music and other concerns raised would be addressed further during their association meetings.

“When new groups join us, we guide them and provide training to ensure they comply and operate within the rules. We also maintain a strong relationship with parents. Whatever we observe, we report to them so they are aware of any concerning behaviour their child may display.

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“Our new drivers are vetted, and we also need to meet with taxi owners so we can deal with any driver who misbehaves,” he said.
Khaya Nongxa, a member of KETO, commended the police for addressing the issues.

“We are happy that the police have directed local liquor outlets not to sell alcohol to school children,” said Nongxa.

He also urged schools not to release learners earlier than scheduled dismissal times.

“To avoid traffic congestion, perhaps we should devise a plan to use one road as an entry point for picking up and dropping off learners,” he suggested.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between law enforcement, transport operators, and community stakeholders to prioritise learner safety and responsible conduct in scholar transport services.