BOIPATONG.- The Boipatong police, Conventional Patrollers, Siyabangena Patrollers and the Gauteng Traffic Wardens held school talks and searches at two of their secondary schools this week.

The talks and searches were conducted at Jet Nteo and Lebohang Secondary Schools where at least eleven classes from both schools were identified and addressed, said police spokesperson Constable Selina Mthimkulu.

The following issues were addressed:

• School Panga gangs and fighting
• Drug abuse within school premises
• Selling drugs within school premises
• Possession of dangerous weapons
• Bullying

“The main purpose of school talks and searches was to foster a safe learning environment and educating learners about the risks of gangs, weapons and drugs usage. Searches on learners, approximately (150) at both school’s premises were conducted,” Mthimkhulu said.

She added that the learners were taught about discipline, respect for oneself and others, how one should conduct themselves as learners.

“The repercussion of committing crime as a minor, especially at the school was shared. The learners were urged not to affiliate within the gangs, and to assist in reporting any form of crime.”