Four pupils bust with drugs

Dad pleads for them to write examinations

A 16-year-old and three other pupils at Nathaniel Pamla high school in Peddie outside Makhanda (former Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape, were kicked out of the exam centre after it was discovered that they had been dealing with drugs.

The grade 8 learner’s father said even though that was a punishable offence, he requested the school to allow the boys to continue with their exams.

“I am happy with how the school handled the matter, they called the police and the boys were released on warning,” said the father.

He said he was surprised when his son came back home on Friday – over a week ago – when he was meant to write life science.

“I went to the school and I was told the bad news. To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

“He is well-taken care of and he gets everything he needs. I learnt that he uses his transport money for his evil deeds,” he said.

Eastern Cape education spokesperson Mali Mtima said the allegations that the pupils were not allowed to write were not true.

“The Circuit Management Centre (CMC) and the school principal dismiss the allegations as not true and the learner is at school as we speak, writing exams.

“We are not here to kill the futures of these kids, but to make sure they are rehabilitated by taking them to boys town to get counselling programmes...” Mtima said.

Speaking on behalf of the department of basic education, Elijah Mhlanga said the department has zero tolerance for pupils who are involved in criminal activities.

“Once these pupils are convicted they continue to learn in jail and before they are convicted they are taken to youth centres where they will continue to learn far away from other pupils,” Mhlanga said.

He said dealing with drugs was a serious offence which can result in immediate expulsion.

I learnt he uses his money for transport