Pretoria - Seven learners who were arrested on Wednesday at the Overkruin Ho%rskool in Pretoria for drug possession are expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrate court on Thursday.
The learners, all boys, were arrested at the school during an anti-drug operation by the Tshwane Community Safety Department (Tshwane Metro Police Services) and the South African Police Service.
According to Tshwane metro police spokesperson Console Tleane, the department was requested by the principal to conduct a search for any illegal narcotic substances at the school.
The operation started on Wednesday morning at the school, with the knowledge of the principal and other teachers who formed part of the operation. At least 52 learners were searched.
During the search, cannabis was found on one of the pupils. The pupil was arrested on the spot and the principal was informed immediately.
Drug testing, using a drug testing kit, was done randomly on 25 learners.
The overall operation resulted in four pupils testing positive for cannabis, two testing positive for Heroin and one learner was arrested for being in possession of cannabis [5g].
"We welcome the co-operation that we receive from schools and we are glad that principals and teachers are assisting in the fight against drugs," said Mr Tleane.
"We wish to applaud them for the work well done. The department calls on parents to compliment the efforts made by the schools and law enforcement agencies."
Mr Tleane told BuaNews that the department will intensify efforts to fight drugs, especially among young people.
He said the department was planning to roll out an aggressive education campaign in schools to educate young people against the use of drugs.
"It is the aim of the Community Safety department to ensure young people are assisted to overcome the scourge of drugs and become outstanding citizens.
"We appeal to parents to assist by ensuring that they always monitor their children," Mr Tleane said.
He said their investigations were ultimately aimed at exposing and bringing justice to those who distribute and peddle in drugs.
Last week, six learners from Pro Arte School in Brooklyn were arrested for alleged possession of drugs, mainly dagga.
Among those arrested was the Tshwane Mayor's daughter. She appeared in court on Tuesday.
So far, operations were carried out in Brooklyn itself, Hatfield, Sunnyside, Groenkloof, Monument Park, Waterkloof, Villieria, Mamelodi, Akasia, Garsfontein, and Annlin.
