Members from the SAPS attached to the Ennerdale Social Crime Prevention Unit, Youth Desk and Community Policing Forum visited Oakdale Secondary School as part of the fight against drugs. Students were warned about the dangers of drugs and its consequences in a bid to discourage them from consuming illegal substances.
This comes after concerns from the community reached the office of the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Visible Policing, Major General Phumzo Gela. With drugs known to be one of the contributors of crime Major General Phumzo Gela requested a meeting with the community. The outcomes were clear that the community of Ennerdale cannot stand back and watch their children’s future gets destroyed by drug dealers who are brave enough to sell their illicit drug at school gates.
Following interaction with the community, Major General Gela increased the visibility of police including operations and school searches to deal with drug dealers. Programmes from the Youth Desk and Community Policing Forums continued to educate learners on the dangers of drugs. “The main focus was to inspire and empower the learners to identify the role they can play in addressing the drug challenges.
There are a number of youths who are faced with drug and substance abuse problems, whether it be, experimenting, dealing or addiction. Schools have been one of the targeted areas by those who sell drugs resulting in violence and gangsterism in these areas of learning,” said Social Crime officer Constable Tambane.
The principal of Oakdale Secondary School, Ms Mpona Moloi explained that parents are battling a never-ending crisis of drug abuse with their children. Never mind the fact that they have to parents their children, but now they have added responsibility of dealing with a drug addicted sons and daughters.
As a school principal I encourage you to work with the police to fight and raise awareness of the scourge of drug and substance abuse. Alcohol and substance abuse including drug will not build your future but will destroy it. This substance has serious implications because they contribute to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and other social problems,” she explains.
Following police interaction members appealed to the learners to report any drug dealing in their area. Ms Mpona Moloi welcomed the visit from the police. More schools will be visited with the programme over the next few months.
