Bethal police create awareness at Jim Van Tonder School

SAPS Social Crime Prevention, communication and the Youth Crime Prevention desk visited Jim van Tonder School to educate and sensitise 410 boys about sexual offences, bullying and other crimes affecting boys.

“School safety is often a critical obstacle to learning. Crime, violence and abuse affect all aspects of our community, and schools are not always free from fear, intimidation or victimisation,” said Sergeant Thomas Mogadime, spokesperson for Bethal SAPS.

He said prevention and early intervention are the most reliable and cost-effective ways to support schools in consistently delivering teaching and learning in a physically and socially safe environment.

“Overall, schools are one of the safest places children can be. However, some schools have problems, such as theft and bullying, which makes them less secure.

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“These problems make learners and educators feel less safe and make it harder for learners to learn and for teachers to do their jobs,” Mogadime said.

The visitors encouraged learners to respect one another as well as their teachers. Mogadime informed the learners of resolving problems without fighting.

He further explained fighting could lead to them getting hurt, hurting someone else, or earning a reputation as a bully.

They also encouraged the children to refrain from any form of criminal activity, to talk to someone they trust when facing problems, and to focus on their education.