Norwood Police Station’s victim empowerment centre is rolling out their substance abuse campaign in schools to sensitize children about the dangers associated with the scourge.
On 19 September, Norwood police in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety held their campaign at HA Jack Primary School in Highlands North.
According to the police spokesperson, Captain Elliot Tshivhase, the aim is to make children aware of the dangers of using drugs and alcohol and the effects that come with it.
Tshihase said due to the cases reported by the schools to the police, and their outcomes, this campaign comes as a need to curb the ongoing problem of drugs in the society.
He said a number of cases have been reported to them and a number of children have been discovered to be using substances.
“Our investigation has revealed that dagga and cigarettes are the major problematic substances that children are subjected to,” said Tshivhase.
“With our substance abuse campaign, we hope to educate them and sensitize them about the dangers of these substances and why it’s important to refrain from using them.”
He said if they continue using these substances they have a great chance of finding themselves in a serious situation, including being arrested.
The police have made a clarion call to parents to also play their part and encourage their children not to use illicit substances.
“We can talk to them as the police but parents also need to do the same in their homes to ensure that the message stick in their minds,” he said.
The next campaign is expected to be held on 26 September at Orchards Primary School and the police said they want to build strong relations with local schools to drive the message across that drugs are dangerous.
Details: Norwood Police Station 011 483 4609.
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