Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has stepped up school safety operations after police-led searches uncovered drugs, abortion pills and other prohibited items at schools across the province. The latest Gauteng school raids were conducted on Wednesday, bringing the total number of schools searched to 17. Authorities say the operations are aimed at removing drugs, weapons and other illegal items from school premises.
Among the schools searched were Baleseng Junior Secondary School, Tiyelelani Secondary School, Ngaka Maseko Secondary School, Holy Trinity Secondary School and FR Smangaliso Mkhathwa Secondary School. The Gauteng Education Department said police discovered nyaope, abortion pills and a significant quantity of dagga during the operations. The findings have prompted renewed concern over the presence of illegal substances in schools.
Gauteng School Raids Uncover Drugs And Abortion Pills
The Gauteng school raids uncovered several prohibited substances, including nyaope, dagga and abortion pills. In one incident, a female learner was allegedly found carrying a large quantity of dagga. Authorities said the circumstances raised concerns that the drugs could have been intended for distribution.
In another case, a learner found with several small packets of dagga reportedly told authorities that a local drug dealer had recruited him to sell the substance. The Gauteng Education Department said the discoveries highlighted the risks posed to learners by criminal activity.
“These discoveries are extremely concerning. Our children must never be used as instruments for criminal activity. Those who target learners and use them to distribute drugs are attacking the future of our communities,” Maile said.
The department said the searches are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and discipline at schools. Authorities will continue working with law enforcement to identify and address threats within school environments.
Gauteng Schools Targeted In Ongoing Safety Operations
The Gauteng school safety operations are being conducted as part of the province’s wider strategy to tackle drugs, violence and other threats affecting learners. The initiative is also linked to the It Takes a Village to Raise a Child programme. The programme seeks to bring communities, parents and government institutions together to protect children.
Maile said keeping schools safe requires cooperation between different sectors of society. He called on parents, communities, law enforcement agencies and school governing bodies to play their part.
[Durban Family Desperate For News Of Missing 33-Year-Old Woman After Nepal Floods]
“It takes a village to raise a child. Schools cannot confront these challenges alone. Parents, communities, law enforcement agencies, school governing bodies and government must work together to protect our children and ensure that schools remain safe and conducive environments for learning,” he said.
The department said the involvement of different stakeholders remains important in preventing illegal substances and other dangerous items from reaching schools. The safety operations are expected to continue across Gauteng.
Gauteng Education Department Vows To Continue School Searches
The Gauteng Education Department said further school searches will be carried out as authorities intensify efforts to prevent drugs, weapons and other prohibited items from entering school premises. The department said the latest operations form part of its continued response to safety challenges affecting learners. Police and other stakeholders will remain involved in the programme.
SEE TODAY'S TOP HEADLINES ACROSS LEADING PUBLICATIONS
The discoveries of dagga, nyaope and abortion pills have added to concerns about the types of prohibited items being brought onto school grounds. Authorities are also focused on preventing learners from becoming involved in drug distribution.
Maile said the province would continue working with communities and law enforcement to create safer schools. The department said its goal is to ensure schools remain secure environments where learners can focus on their education.
