Bekkersdal Police are determined to tackle the criminal element at root level and at its infancy stage and have appointed their first team of junior police commissioners.

The appointment was made on May 17 at the Teachers Centre in Simunye Extension 3 and the purpose of this is to have the junior commissioners act with good values and condemn lawlessness in their surroundings.

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Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane said the concept was introduced by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

The move comes after noting that the West Rand District is one of the districts with concerning levels of criminal activities at schools. The schools are said to be faced with challenges of substance abuse, infighting, carrying of dangerous weapons, teenage pregnancies and attacks directed at teachers.

The objective of the concept is to identify potential and leadership skills from the youth, specifically the learners. The concept also seeks to develop future leaders, competent public speakers, good and responsible citizens who are concerned and willing to condemn lawlessness and rather show high levels of patriotism and love for their country,” Lefakane said.

She added that the learners took each other on in a debate where they showcased their potential and talents, as they presented their strategies for tackling pertinent issues in schools. The issues in question include teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, gangsterism, unemployment inequalities, lack of communication between parents and children as well as a lack of extramural activities.

Participants in the debate competition included grade 8 and 9 learners from four local schools in the area.

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The judge’s decisions were as follows:

• Angel Khumalo, 14, from TM Letlhake secondary was appointed as the Junior Station Commander
• Anele Mese,13, from Kgothalang Secondary School was appointed as the Junior Vispol Commander
• Aphelele Maruloane,15, from Zuurbekom Intermediate School was appointed as the Junior Detective-Commander
• Likhona Saba, 14, from Izanokhanyo Secondary School was appointed as the Junior Support head

Meanwhile, Bekkersdal Police Station Commander Colonel Phumelele Matamela spoke on behalf of West Rand District Commissioner Major General Kekana and wished the learners well on their new journey.

This is not going to be an easy task, you are going to be labelled by your fellow pupil however, you have to stand firm and know what you want to achieve,” said Matamela.