A pupil was arrested today for being in possession of a firearm and ammunition while at school.
According to Col. Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, members of SAPS Bethelsdorp Reaction Task Team responded today at about 12:00 to information of a learner possibly in
possession of a firearm.
“On arrival at the school in Bethelsdorp, members were
ushered to the suspected classroom. While police were explaining the
nature of their visit to the learners, an 18-year-old Grade 11 learner
approached a police official and indicated that he has something in his bag.
The learner was removed from the classroom with his school bag. On searching
the bag in his presence, a .38 revolver was found with one round of ammunition.
The serial number of the firearm was filed off,” Naidu said.
He
was arrested for prohibited possession of a firearm and illegal possession of
ammunition. He is expected to appear in court soon.
Acting Mount Road Cluster Commander, Brig Thandiswe
Kupiso, commended the members for their swift response as well as their arrest
and confiscation.
“Violence in or near schools impacts negatively on
education of learners and the protection of our learners is of paramount
importance. We appreciate the information and appeal to the community to never
hesitate to contact the police with any information, no matter how trivial it
may seem. Your call may save a life.
“The National School Safety Framework
encompasses various role-players, including the SAPS, to ensure the
creation of a safe, violence and threat-free learning environment for learners
and educators,” added Kupiso.
