Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jun 2014
Source: New Age, The (South Africa)
Copyright: 2014 TNA Media (Pty.)
Contact:  http://thenewage.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5339
Author: Lerato Diale
Page: 7

OFFICIALS TEAM UP TO RAID HIGH SCHOOL

IN A bid to clamp down on criminal activities in schools, a joint 
operation between the SAPS, Neighbourhood Safety Watch, K9 Unit and 
metro police was carried out at a Mitchells Plain High School last week.

The school was raided on Friday after the principal requested help 
from authorities.

A number of dangerous weapons including knives and a sword were 
seized while dagga, cigarettes and liquor where also found in pupils' 
possession.

"More and more school principals are requesting our assistance in 
carrying out searches at schools to ensure the safety of students.

"These operations are just one part of our approach. The other is our 
expanded strategy to curb gangsterism and drug abuse by carrying out 
a number of social crime prevention initiatives aimed at the youth, 
for example, child safety projects, youth academy camps and drug 
awareness shows," the city's mayoral committee member for safety and 
security, JP Smith said.

Meanwhile, a total of 15 suspects were arrested by the metro police 
camera response unit for various offences at the weekend, including 
drunk driving, malicious damage to property and possession of illegal 
narcotics.

On Friday, the metro police gang and drug task team arrested 12 
suspects for possession of drugs and a dangerous weapon.

The metro police tactical response unit arrested a suspect for 
possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition after they received a 
complaint of an armed robbery in Philippi.

According to police, the victim claimed to have been robbed by seven 
men wielding knives. The suspects fled in different directions after 
being identified by the victim, however, one suspect was caught.

He was found in possession of a .38 Special revolver, the serial 
number of which had been filed off and several rounds of ammunition.

Traffic authorities also arrested 18 suspects and issued 443 fines 
for various offences committed in Athlone and Hout Bay at the weekend.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom