CAROLINA – Learners participated in a speech competition in Carolina on May 31 with the topic of ‘if you were the station commander, what will you do to address gangsterism, drugs and bullying in school?’

A total of 14 learners from Grade 8 to Grade 10 from seven schools took part.

Officers from Carolina Police Station and officials from the Carolina Department of Education judged the speeches.

Lebogang Sithole from Zinikeleni Secondary School won the competition and walked away with a prize of R400.

Melokuhle Maseko from Carolina Combined obtained second place and won R300.

Snethemba Duba from Ezinikeleni Secondary School won R200 in third place, while Prosper Madonsela from Carolina Academy was fourth, and won a prize of R100.

All prizes were sponsored by Dr Jina, acting chairman of the Community Policing Forum of Carolina Police.

In Lebogang’s speech he said: “As the station commander, I am going to deploy two police officers per school that will be responsible for handling school violence issues that arise from criminal acts.

“These officers will work hand in hand with the principal and staff.

“They will be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns so as to educate students on the impacts of indulging in such dubious activities.

“Thereafter, unannounced raids to see if learners are not possessing drugs or any lethal weapons that can be linked with gangsterism.

“If these students are caught in possessions they will be given written warnings and will receive counselling from social workers from the Department of Social Services, as some of these perpetrators are involved in criminal activities because of problems they are facing at home or because of their backgrounds.”

According to Sgt Thabang Mokwana, spokesman of Carolina Police, the winner is Carolina’s junior station commander and will represent the station at the provincial speech competition.

“The vision of this project was to create a safe and secure environment, free from violence, crime and drugs and to develop leaders, who will uphold the moral values and principles of our society,” Sgt Mokwana said.

He added that the mission was to provide a multidisciplinary intervention programme, aimed at preventing crime and violence by involving students to address any antisocial behaviour and criminality.

“We would like to thank the students for participating on issues of concern, particularly crimes that affect them daily,” Sgt Mokwana concluded.