“Crime disrupts social order, hinders community collaboration and trust, and creates a serious economic cost to society. It is even more disturbing if it is committed by children, as they are viewed as the future of the nation,” said Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere, the West Rand District Police spokesperson.
The statement comes after police and other stakeholders visited the Boipelo Secondary School in Kagiso on Wednesday, May 11.
Mogwere explained that the reason for the visit was firstly to support the teachers in their endeavours to maintain discipline at the school, but also to prevent crime and promote school safety.
The teachers had reported various incidents of learners misbehaving and because of this a search was conducted to ensure that the school environment remained safe and conducive for learning. During the search police found and seized dagga and cigarettes.
The Grades 9 to 11 learners were addressed about substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, human trafficking, gambling, vandalism, gangsterism and bullying.
The negative impact of such social misbehaviour was strongly highlighted to the learners. They were further encouraged to be persistent in their education. Teachers appreciated the intervention programme,” Mogwere said.
The team which included representatives of the Department of Community Safety, Department of Education, Department of Social Development, Victim Empowerment Centre, Mogale City Public Safety, Community Policing Forum and community patrollers then proceeded to Leratong Village, Tshepisong and Swaneville where they engaged with community members.
On behalf of the District Police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, Social Crime and Communication officers Coordinator Captain Solomon Sibiya thanked all involved for their contribution towards creating crime awareness.
The community was also encouraged to break the silence and report crime on the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, via SMS on 32211 or use the My SAPS app.
