Zero tolerance on “pens-down” parties

Following recent incidents of pupils being involved in Pens Down/Explosion school closing parties, KwaZulu-Natal police have sent a stern warning to those who will be attending these parties that the police will clamp down on any illegal activity.

Police will be deployed in hot-spots and beaches to make sure that those who use drugs and alcohol in public places will be arrested.

In April this year, a number of parties were organised by the pupils and in some of these parties the youth were allegedly using drugs called ‘Mercedes’ and ‘Lacosta’ that resulted in deaths in KwaMashu and other areas.

Many teenagers from Kwa­Mashu, north of Durban, were admitted to the King ­Dinuzulu and RK Khan hospitals after allegedly taking the toxic ecstasy drug at a party in March this year.

The teenagers had been celebrating at a term-end ­party and apparently spent Friday night drinking, ­smoking and taking drugs.

The gathering, popularly ­referred to as an “explosion party”, was held at K Section in KwaMashu and started at about 6pm.

Some pupils were admitted to hospitals for treatment after allegedly using these drugs.

Recently a man was arrested in Pinetown area for selling these drugs to young people.

“Our children are precious and we want them to live in an environment that is safe where they will learn and grow,” said Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane.

“Drug-taking among young people can endanger their lives and future.

“We want schools to be safe so that our children can empower themselves with knowledge for their future.”

“We also encourage the community to continue informing us of the presence of drug dealers,” said Zwane.

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