Masoyi, Mpumalanga – A joint operation by the Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison Department and the Education Department uncovered dangerous weapons and drugs in several schools in Masoyi this week. At least six learners were arrested for possession of illegal items, including knives and narcotics.
The targeted schools had been flagged as high-risk due to rising criminal activity, including gang violence and drug use. Law enforcement officers conducted search-and-seizure operations after concerns were raised by both teachers and parents about safety threats.
Learners Fear for Their Safety
Students reported feeling unsafe due to outsiders entering school premises, particularly near toilets where gang-related activities allegedly take place.
“There’s a hole behind the toilets, and boys who aren’t from our school come in. They sit near the door with knives, and we don’t feel safe anymore,” one learner said. Another added that the disruptive behavior of these individuals affects classroom learning, as they often skip lessons to smoke and fight.
Parents and Authorities Take Action
Parents welcomed the police intervention, acknowledging the growing problem of weapons and drugs in schools. A parent representative stated that they had previously requested regular police searches to curb the issue.
Provincial authorities confirmed that the operation was part of a broader effort to combat crime in Masoyi, which ranks among the top 30 areas in Mpumalanga for serious and contact crimes.
“We have uncovered dangerous weapons and arrested six suspects. Some learners even led us to their suppliers,” a police official said. Authorities urged parents to monitor their children’s behavior for signs of drug use.
School Safety Program to Expand
The provincial security cluster announced plans to extend the school safety program to other high-risk schools in Mpumalanga. Officials emphasized that community crime directly impacts schools and vowed to intensify efforts to create safer learning environments.
Further operations are expected as law enforcement and education officials work to dismantle criminal networks influencing learners.