MEC Jackie Macie Leads Unannounced School Raids in Masoyi: Weapons and Drugs Confiscated

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security, and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie today led a team of law enforcers on unannounced visits to four schools in the Masoyi policing precinct as part of the School Safety Programme. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Department of Education and other stakeholders, aims to create a safer environment for teaching and learning.

The operation, conducted by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from various units, officials from the Department of Correctional Services, Traffic Officers, Promotion of Safety officials from DCSSL, and Law Enforcement officers from the City of Mbombela, targeted Bhekiswako, Siphumelele, Khanyisani, and Lungisani secondary schools. These schools were identified by the Department of Education for the searches.

During the raids, law enforcement officials confiscated several dangerous items and illegal substances, including knives, a panga, hammers, dagga, illicit cigarettes, and crushed pills from students.

MEC Macie expressed concern over the discovery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. “Learning and teaching should be respected. The practice of students bringing weapons and drugs to school must be curbed immediately. We will continue to conduct these unannounced visits to support the Department of Education in ensuring a safer environment for teaching and learning,” she said.

Macie highlighted the potential long-term consequences if such behavior is not addressed. “These learners are our future, and if we cannot nip this behavior in the bud, the future of our country is at risk. Instead of breeding academics, we will be breeding criminals in schools. That is why we need communities to work with us to create a safer schooling environment and for parents to monitor their children closely, ensuring they do not bring prohibited items to school and that they adhere to the school’s code of conduct,” she concluded.