Klerksdorp Record, Alabama - People living in the Kosh Area called for more random police visits to local high schools after a search and seizure at Alabama Secondary School last week.
During the search on Wednesday July 17, the police confiscated numerous dangerous items, including knives and pangas. Some alcohol, vapes, cigarettes and weed were also found on the learners and confiscated.
When the Department of Education released information about the bust at the school, parents from schools in the Kosh Area applauded the action taken by the department assisted by SAPS on Klerksdorp Record’s Facebook page. Local resident Nicolaas Oberholzer said pupils’ safety come first and rather act before someone’s life is in danger.
According to Mphata Molokwane from the NW Department of Education, Alabama Secondary School has been identified as one of the hotspot schools for crime and gangsterism. He said the random search and seizure operation is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for learners.
The Department of Education has called upon the Department of Social Development to provide necessary psychological support and counselling services to address the psychological impact and educate learners on the dangers of illegal substances, drugs, and dangerous weapons.
Education MEC Viola Motsumi, commended the collective efforts of the educators, principal, School Governing Body (SGB) and sister Departments like SAPS and Social Development.
“The safety of our learners is paramount. We applaud our sister Departments’ Social Development and SAPS, for their unwavering commitment to our schools, and we extend our gratitude to the teachers, principal, and SGB of Alabama Secondary School for their proactive stance. Functional parental involvement and the support of stakeholders such as the Department of Social Development are crucial in our ongoing fight against crime and substance abuse in schools,” she said.
