Pretoria West Police social crime prevention unit recently recovered dagga, cigarettes, knives, and vapes during an announced search at Kwaggasrand Technical Occupational School.
Spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma said police warned learners to refrain from carrying any form of dangerous weapons, such as knives or sharp scissors. They warned that next time there would be arrests instead of internal discipline if any learner was found in possession of dagga or cigarettes on the school premises.
“Multiple classes were searched, and items not permitted in the school were seized from learners through the search operation, for example, dagga, smoking vapes, scissors and selling of lollipops and one knife. Steps will be further taken by the school as the learners are still under 18 years of age. Police advise the principal through school disciplinary procedures to take steps and inform their parents,” Vuma said.
The search follows two school visits to Laerskool Kwaggasrand and Bagale Primary School in Lotus Gardens at the start of the month. Police and fellow stakeholders engaged the learners following complaints regarding bullying, substance use, theft, assaults, and disrespect toward teachers.
Social workers working at the station warned the learners about the dangers of ingesting cough syrup.
One of the social workers, Nomthandazo Mochoana spoke to learners about substance abuse, the risks and consequences of taking drugs, and further elaborated on cough syrup addiction.
Mochoana explained how dangerous it is when taking cough mixture when you are not sick and how its usage is detrimental in the long run. She spoke about how the body will start rejecting it or demanding more, leading to all sorts of negative consequences as, in terms of prescriptions, you’re only permitted certain dosages from the doctor.
Ex-convict Lebogang Manamela shared his personal story and experience on crimes he committed, and even showed the scars from three bullet shots on his body he sustained during his life of crime.
He advised learners to never rely on friends or get involved in shady activities, which will affect their future badly.
“Prison is not a nice place to stay in. Even compared to what you see on TV versus what I was in. I endured 13 years in prison, and was given a second chance to go back to school and complete my matric and receive a diploma plus a degree in theology. I am currently a bishop with my church and also a radio presenter,” Manamela said.
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