Two arrested for selling dagga to learners during school safety operation

Two suspects were arrested for selling illegal substances to learners following a law-enforcement operation at three local schools on Thursday, May 22. This after learners who were found with dagga assisted the police in nabbing the suspects who sold the substance to them.

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), in collaboration with the police, conducted an unannounced search at Bonginhlanhla Secondary, Hillaria Mthethwa Secondary and Sicelalwati Combined schools. During the operation, the officials confiscated knives, dagga and other contraband.

According to the DCSSL’s spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, some learners even brought everyday items, such as toothbrushes to use as weapons. “The team found packets of dagga and other dangerous items that put learners at risk,” Mmusi said.

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The initiative forms part of the executive council outreach programme and aims to promote school safety and prevent crime. The Department of Education’s spokesperson, Gerald Sambo, expressed concern about escalating criminal activity in schools, particularly in the White Hazy circuit.

“The issue of crime is a serious concern for the department because it affects teaching and learning. In the White Hazy circuit, crime levels are high. Parents, educators and learners are afraid to go to school because criminals are entering the school premises and disrupting education,” Sambo said.

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The operation was carried out in partnership with the education department, the DCSSL and the Department of Correctional Services. It was also supported by the Department of Social Development, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, the City of Mbombela, the local community policing forum, and the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.