The festive season came alive at Hlanganani Primary School, a semi-rural township school in Carletonville, as the West Rand Police paid a special visit to bring festive cheer, important safety messages and support to disadvantaged learners.

The initiative was led by Major General Lorraine Challen, who was also joined by Westonaria Station Commander Colonel Kgomotso Netshitangani, Acting Vispol Commander Captain Goitsemodimo Eddie Boboko, and Social Crime Prevention members from various West Rand police stations.

During the formal session, Challen addressed 300 learners and parents, explaining the purpose of the visit.

She encouraged learners to pray regularly, respect their parents and teachers, and start the coming year focused on their studies.

With the exam period concluded, she advised learners to stay away from drugs and criminal activities, while also raising awareness about abuse against women and children. Parents were further urged to look after their children, especially as reports of missing children tend to increase during the festive season, and everyone was reminded to take care of themselves.

The programme concluded with the police distributing school uniforms and party packs to 100 disadvantaged learners, and party packs to an additional 200 learners who attended the event. The event also featured demonstrations by the K9 narcotics unit and Public Order Policing, showcasing the equipment used during protests.