Newcastle police together with SANCA visited Panorama Combined School following an incident were pupils were caught in possession of drugs during a routine search on August 12. A Crime and Drug Awareness presentation was given to pupils, their parents and teachers on August 22.
Police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela discussed the negative impact of drugs and how substance abuse often led to further illegal activity later on in life. The aim of the presentation was to deter pupils from using and selling drugs altogether. Capt. Magudulela said, “Once someone’s fingerprints have been taken by police, it has a negative impact on that person’s chances of being employed. Most companies check potential candidates’ criminal record before hiring them. Pupils need to stop involving themselves in criminal activity before they pay the price in future.”
Police warned if they were to return to Panorama Secondary School and found pupils in the possession of drugs, they would be charged according to the relevant legislation. Parents were urged to communicate with teachers and police in order to curb the use of drugs in schools.
In conclusion, pupils were urged to report the use or sale of drugs on school property to their teachers or police.
