
Shocked pupils watched in horror as a matric pupil from Ladysmith Secondary (Lasec) was led away in handcuffs by police on Monday morning. The pupil had been bust with five parcels of dagga and cigarettes also filled with dagga.
While the drug haul was only 20g, with a street value of R100 to R200, it is seen as a major clampdown on rampant drug use at the school. The 21-year-old is believed to be a major player within the seedy drug subculture at the school and according to some pupils, he would sit in class counting money while they studied.
A party held after the school matric farewell by matriculants at a local bed & breakfast, which continued for several days, raised alarm bells for authorities. The party was allegedly hosted by the young man. Residents living near the B&B reported children swearing, drinking in public and smoking dagga.
“The SAPS were called three times, but failed to respond,” an angry resident told the Ladysmith Gazette. It was only after a neighbour phoned a policeman he knew that police eventually responded. The party simmered down for about an hour before once again swinging into gear.
School principal Mr AN Govender stressed that this was a joint operation between the school and police. “We will not tolerate criminal activities at our school and I hope this sends a clear message to those who would sell drugs at our school, be warned!”
And for those parents living in ‘cloud cuckoo land’, Lasec is not the only school with a drug problem.