Ndudi Anyim
To further enlighten young persons on the dangers of crime, traditional leaders in Centane, Amotole District in Eastern Cape Province, have endorsed a team from South African Police Service (SAPS), on the Back-to-School Roadshow.
The roadshow which is an initiative of SAPS engaged with learners at Manyano Primary School and Sezela Junior Secondary School, respectively in the Centane Policing precinct, Amathole District.
Security Watch Africa reports that the ongoing initiative aims at addressing activities relating to specific crimes and challenges focusing on bullying, sexual offences, domestic violence, substance abuse, theft, dangerous weapons amongst other threats affecting the youth.
Colonel Michelle Matroos, who spoke on the Back-to-School Roadshow said: “ It is aligned with School Based Crime Prevention Guideline that was developed by the SAPS, and aimed at providing framework, within which the SAPS should work in support of school safety programmes.
“ Different community structures, including Community Policing Forum and School Governing Body were part of the programme and engagement about issues relating to children’s safety and well-being in and out of schools.
“ The respective school management appreciated the initiative and described it as a realization of School Safety Protocol, which was entered to by South African Police Service and Department of Basic Education. The initiative has a primary aim of promoting the image of the South African Police Service and build positive relationships between schools, police stations, children, school communities and the police. ”
He added that a number of learners were adopted by members of the SAPS aiming to ensure a positive upbringing and development of the identified learners.