In an attempt to create awareness among school-going children about the dangers of trusting and accepting lifts from strangers, the SAPS Thohoyandou Women's Network visited Thambatshira Secondary School in Tshisahulu last Friday (19th).
The officers were accompanied by the acting station commander, Col Balanganani Monica Nemavhola, while they interacted with the learners. The children were given tips on how to keep themselves safe amid spiralling crime (which is mostly directed at girls).
Speaking during the visit, Col Nemavhola advised learners to be vigilant and always on the lookout for strangers around them. "The Thohoyandou area has become a rich hunting ground for criminals, and things are getting out of hand as these criminals are now targeting girls. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed an increase in the disappearance of girls on their way to and from school. This is a source for great concern for all of us. We as women feel that we cannot just sit around and pretend like nothing is going on. We have to stand up and make our girls aware of this nasty situation," Nemavhola said.
"To our girls, please do not trust any strangers. We know most of you are from poor backgrounds, but use the little money your parents give you for transport and other needs. Don't be tempted and accept lifts and gifts from strangers, as that might lead to more kidnappings and disappearances," she said.
Sergeant Miemie Mukwevho, in turn, addressed the learners on some other important points, urging them not to engage in premarital sex, crime, drugs and not to bully each other, as all these things can jeopardise their future.
The police also donated body lotions, roll-ons, body sprays, nail polish and sanitary towels to needy girls.
The school principal, Ms Livhuwani Mukwevho, was satisfied and praised the police for having chosen to visit her school. "In a situation like the one we find ourselves in now, who does not appreciate police presence? Things are bad out there, and we are happy to have been chosen among the many schools. We are indeed a lucky school because, even when things were bad at other schools last week, we did not experience that here. We are hopeful after this visit that the kids will be much more careful when they go out, keep a positive mindset and focus on their studies to pave their way to a brighter future," she said.