Police will monitor year-end school bashes

A STRONG warning has been issued for school year-end bashes arranged across the region this month.

Whether ‘Pens Down’, ‘Omunye phezu komunye’ or ‘Vosho’ parties, police will monitor all festivities to curb criminal activities.

High school pupils use this period to celebrate the end of the school year, but these are often plagued by alcohol and drug abuse, violent attacks, sexual assaults and fatal accidents.

According to the King Cetshwayo Police Cluster spokesperson, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, many pupils have lost their lives at these shindigs from drug overdoses, stabbings after drunken arguments and drownings, amongst others.

‘These parties lead to tragic incidents as celebrations sometimes get out of hand when young people become intoxicated. They are exposed to dangerous situations.

‘Even if they are not involved in any criminal activities, most engage in drunken sexual activities. Some become victims of rape with no recollection of what happened the night before,’ he said.

‘We will be on the lookout for under age drinking, drug users and peddlers. There will be no mercy for offenders,’ Mdlalose said.

Searches will be conducted to ensure parties are free of weapons and drugs.

Police members from all twelve police stations within the region will be scattered at places such as Pelican Island and Alkantstrand beach in Richards Bay, Mtunzini beach as well as in some areas in eSikhaleni.

The Department of Education King Cetshwayo District Director, David Chonco, advised pupils to be responsible.

He said it is critical for pupils to avoid these unsupervised bashes.

Chonco advised parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts during the holidays.

‘Parents must supervise their children and ensure if they go out it is to a secure location.

‘When they visit beaches, parents should be there and make sure they swim in the presence of lifeguards. We must work together to ensure the safety of our children.’