GQEBERHA – Knives, dagga, vaping devices, and a dangerous concoction of prescription medication – these are the alarming items discovered in the bags and classrooms of learners at Sanctor High School in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha, during a Safer Schools operation conducted on Wednesday, 27 May.

According to SAPS spokesperson Captain André Beetge, Bethelsdorp SAPS members, alongside Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police, carried out the targeted operation in line with the Regulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools, revealing what authorities describe as “possible substance abuse and gang-related activities among learners.”

Beetge confirmed that SAPS regularly visits schools for special crime prevention programmes under the banner of the Safer Schools Project.

“This project is not a new concept and has been running for a number of years already,” he said, adding that more specific details can be obtained from the Department of Education.

From a policing perspective, these special programmes are aimed at educating the youth on topics such as gender-based violence (GBV), school bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, assault and children’s rights.

Beetge added that it was also to check learners for possession of dangerous weapons, drugs, alcohol and any other contraband items that are brought onto the school premises (with the permission of school principals) to ensure the safety of all learners at school.

“Many of these programmes also include SAPS members of various units or SAPS station management, such as the K9 Unit and Flying Squad, to create youth awareness and form partnerships between the local SAPS and the community it serves,” he said.

Beetge stated that there are no specific schedules or time frames for these school visits/projects, which are “done when the need arises or when invited by schools when situations reach levels where police intervention is required and requested.”

He noted, “SAPS aims primarily at educational value, and only in extreme situations could arrests be made.”

In most situations, Beetge added that “confiscations are carried out to ensure that the contraband is removed from the learners.

“Further interaction between the school and parents is undertaken for long-term purposes of compliance with school authorities and principals, ensuring that the school premises remains a safe location for all learners,” Beetge concluded.