Picture: The learners urged to stay away from substance abuse/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, accompanied by the Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Liaison, Sylvia Nomandla Bloem, embarked on a safer schools’ campaign in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 8 February 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the programme was supported by the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the Northern Cape Department of Education, the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, the School Governing Body (SGB) in Mecwetsaneng Primary School and the local Traditional Council under Kgosi Selao.
“In outlining the purpose of the day, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, stated that the SAPS management took a conscious decision of providing more support to rural schools, to address activities relating to specific crimes and/or challenges, focusing on bullying, sexual offences, substance abuse, vandalism, burglary, dangerous weapons and gangsterism, amongst other threats.
“Otola and Bloem spoke in unison in pleading with parents to take responsibility for their kids in ensuring that they arrive at school safely and unharmed. They also urged the communities to involve the CPF in school safety programs and report any criminality to the police,” he said.
Sam further said the learners were urged to focus on their education and refrain from using substances such as dagga, cigarettes, okka pipe, and carrying dangerous weapons to school.
He added that, the SAPS management, Bloem and Selao handed over 80 goodie bags that included school shoes to the school principal and SGB.
Meanwhile, Selao thanked all stakeholders for making the day possible and special to the learners.
The Guardian 