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Thoyandou SAPS members, ARMSCOR officials, members of Shandukani Youth Development and learners of Tshadama Secondary School, photographed during the visit to the school. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

'A criminal record is forever,' scholars warned

 

On Thursday, 4 August, the SAPS in Thohoyandou visited Tshandama Secondary School in Ngwenani ya Ha-Mapholi village to address the learners on the consequences of getting involved in criminal activities.

Sgt Annette Mukwevho of the Thohoyandou police warned learners that getting mixed up in crime was a great risk for their future as they would never be able to get into any government institution with a criminal record. “Someone who gets arrested for committing a crime, like being in possession of an illegal firearm, shoplifting, stealing, abusing drugs, or any other crime where their fingerprints have been taken, may find it hard to ever get a decent job as it reflects badly on their person. A criminal record can never be reversed; it will stay with you for the rest of your life,” she said. She warned the children that the police visit all the schools in the different areas to conduct searches among learners for drugs, alcohol, knives, and illegal firearms. Sgt Mukwevho advised learners to rather focus on their education.

The SAPS members were joined by representatives of Shandukani Youth Development, Thandululo Counselling Organisation and Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) during their visit to several schools around the Tshivhase area. The schools include Frans Rasimphi in Phiphidi, Zwithuzwavhudi in Gondeni, and Luphai in Maranzhe. Tshandama Secondary was their last stop.

During the visit, Shandukani Youth Development identified disadvantaged learners, to whom school uniforms were donated. The organisation’s director, Mr Thabelo Netsianda, said they could not sit on the sideline and watch while young people involved themselves in drugs, instead of keeping busy with their schoolwork.

“Our mission includes taking young people from the streets and turning them into meaningful people in society. We help learners from various schools with uniforms and shoes, and help them with their homework and assignments,” said Netsianda.

Ms Manthwadi Motau, who represented ARMSCOR, the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence and other organs of state, told the learners that, for them to get bursaries at the agency, they had to pass maths and science, and for that reason they would have to study very hard. ARMSCOR’s bursaries include tuition fees and accommodation.

 

News - Date: 13 August 2022

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Silas Nduvheni

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