High schools received police warning on violence, weapons
BRIGHTON Beach SAP communication officer, Captain Louise Le Roux took her anti-bullying programme to high schools, with an emphasis on violence and the use of weapons.
According to Cpt Le Roux, bullying is a daily occurrence at schools, but tends to be more violent in high schools. “As part of the anti-bullying school programme, pupils were addressed on bullying actions that constitute a criminal offence,” said Cpt Le Roux.
The focus of the high school talks was using weapons in assaults and cyber bullying, which included sexual bullying. “Pupils were informed of the procedures to obtain a protection order through the courts, and that failure to adhere to such an order upon approval of the courts will result in a criminal case being registered against the perpetrator with an arrest to follow.”
She informed pupils that assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm will result in an immediate arrest and items listed as weapons under the Dangerous Weapons Act, 15 of 2013 were discussed.
“Attention was paid to the interpretation of circumstances, time, place and manner in which an object is carried, including the purpose for possession of such an object while on school premises. Imitation guns are also stipulated under the Act, and when found to be in possession with the intention to use such for an unlawful purpose, one can be found guilty under the Act.”
She encouraged pupils to report others who carry dangerous objects to teachers to prevent any violent incidents. More than 2,500 pupils and 150 teachers attended the programme.
