Call to end drug abuse
Police part of campaign to warn pupils
DRUGS were the enemy during a session hosted by the King William’s Town police in conjunction with other stakeholders at the St Christopher’s Private School last week.
The visit was part of a police campaign to intensify the fight against substance and drug abuse at schools in the area.
A delegation consisting of members from the King William’s Town police, Community Police Forum, Office of the Premier (OTP) and Breidbach Anti-Drug Coalition, as well as the departments of safety and correctional services (DCS), attended the event and made presentations to more than 200 pupils in a packed hall.
Sergeant Xolisa Sontshaka said the campaign was aimed at bringing about greater awareness of the dangers of substance and drug abuse at local schools.
“We have identified this school after acquiring the permission of your principal and we are here today to share some important information.”
Police official Zimkhita Bokhole also spoke on domestic violence and the need to “break the silence”.
She emphasised that a protection order could be issued by a magistrate to protect victims of such violence against offenders.
OTP official Thandwa Ndzundzu urged good ethics at school.
“Being ethical means the ability to do the right thing even when nobody is looking,” she said.
“Being ethical starts with small things, so do not laugh at other’s misfortune but rather encourage them in the midst of their difficulty.”
Ndzundzu also called on pupils to be honest and to stay away from violence, theft and drug abuse, adding that imprisonment and a criminal record reduced the chances of employment which led to poverty.
DCS official Brian Tokoyi introduced an ex-offender who had the audience’s undivided attention as he shared portions of his life in prison.
“It is tough inside and I can only thank the Lord for His grace over me while I was an offender,” he said.
“My criminal record has closed the doors to very good job opportunities which could have come my way.”
On Tuesday, the same delegation visited the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg where they addressed pupils from various other local schools.