A TEAM from the South African Police Service, together with Department of Correctional Services and the Community Policing Forum, recently visited different schools around the Gelvandale policing precinct in Gqeberha.
Gangsterism and substance abuse were the focal points discussed during the visit.
The visit was aimed at eliminating the rate of crime in the respective areas, while engaging with learners of Hillside High and Abraham Levy Primary schools.
Brian Davids, from the Department of Correctional Services, illustrated different lifestyles to which children are exposed.
This was aimed at warning learners about consequences of different lifestyles. He further reiterated the consequences of gangsterism and substance abuse.
Sergeant Nomakhwezi Martins, the provincial co-ordinator of domestic violence investigations, explained gender-based violence and femicide in detail, with an aim of saving children from being victims in their own environments.
She further presented reporting channels in a context of being a victim.
A junior leadership concept was also introduced and explained to the learners at Hillside High School.
Outgoing junior commissioner, Iviwe Mashaya, described the role of the learners in the fight against crime and team leader, Colonel Michelle Matroos, encouraged leaners to break the chain of crime in and out of schools.
She highlighted discipline as a main attribute towards their bright future.
Matroos further touched on the importance of collective efforts in ensuring safer communities through educating children.
“In order to deal with moral decay in our society, we need to work together.
“We are here today as different role-players, who are keen to change attitudes and behaviours of society through your involvement as children.
“Life starts right now, right here.
“Please make sure that you play your role to ensure harmony and stability in and out of school,” she said.
Respective school management appreciated the initiative, and described it as a working strategy in shaping attitudes and behaviour of children.
The campaign is expected to continue at different schools in Nelson Mandela Metro.
– Issued by SAPS
