The pupil was arrested at a school in KwaGuqa Extensions on Wednesday, March 11 at about 09:00 during police searches at different schools.
They found 16 rolled papers filled with dagga and 21 matchboxes filled with dagga as well on him.
The young suspect appeared in Witbank Magistrate’s Court on March 13 according to Vosman communication officer Captain Klaas Maloka, not March 17 as it was earlier reported.
Capt Maloka said the case was withdrawn from the court’s roll after the prosecutor felt that the Children Act in line with Department of Education, which stipulates that a search warrant is needed before searches are conducted at schools, was not followed.
Capt Maloka added that police are of the view that the campaigns in schools will drastically reduce the involvement of young people in various criminal activities.
“We also wanted to show learners that it is our responsibility to fight crime at their schools. We want to prevent what is happening in certain areas through crime-awareness campaigns and school visits.”
Capt Maloka said that awareness campaigns will continue in all the schools around the communities in which the station serves. He further asked that school officials and principals cooperate with them. He said they want to create a crime-free environment at schools.
He emphasised that learners found with dangerous weapons or drugs at schools will be charged and locked in the cells.
Capt Maloka encouraged schools, parents and members of the community to invite them to any school when they notice anything suspicious.
He said they aim to visit other schools in the future.
South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA) recently reported that eMalahleni is the drug capital of South Africa. It was also reported that about 92 drug addicts sought help at Sanca in March last year and 104 for the same month this year. The youngest patient is only 10 years old.
