A bicycle was allegedly stolen from a school last week.
A resident was on her way to the school when she noticed a high school pupil riding a bicycle identical to her nephew’s outside the school grounds.
“I stopped the pupil and demanded he tell me if he had stolen the bicycle and to apologise for his dishonest behaviour,” said the resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
The woman said she did not want to get the pupil in trouble so she accepted the apology and took the bicycle from the teenager. She reported the incident to the administration staff at the school.
“I did not want to involve the police as I could see the teen was very sorry for his actions, but I reported it to the school as they should be aware of the pupils taking part in criminal activities,” she said.
Below is a list of precautions issued by the SAPS regarding theft at schools.
– Schools have a code of conduct in place. If a pupil commits a crime, their parents are called in and if it is beyond their control, then the police are summoned.
– Pupils must not expose or carry valuables to school such as cellphones and money.
– Pupils should not leave their bags unattended.
– Ask the class teacher if you could leave valuables in their lock-up cupboard to secure them.
– When a juvenile commits a crime, the police call their parents or guardians as they need to be there while the juvenile is being charged. Afterwards, the juvenile is released in the care of the parent or guardian with a notice to appear before the social worker for a preliminary inquiry. In most cases the juvenile is diverted away from the justice system and has to undergo programmes with Khulisa or do community service.
To report a crime in your school contact the SAPS on 034 314 6193 or 10111.
