Gauteng police take action against bullying and gambling in schools

Gauteng SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni handed over chessboards and marimba instruments to learners at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom School in a bid to combat bullying and gambling by engaging learners in positive activities.

He thanked the Chinese business community for their generous donation, which included wheelchairs, printers, and 40 boxes of Typek papers.

He advised learners to stay engaged in sports and positive activities to steer clear of crime.

Mthombeni expressed disappointment after some learners were spotted gambling in class right in front of the police.

“You are gambling, and you know this is a crime. We are having so many problems in terms of this type of activity in schools,” he said.

He cited a recent incident in Pimville, Soweto, where a learner fatally stabbed another following a brawl, highlighting the severity of the situation.

“It is not a good thing to partake in this gambling because at the end of the day, you will end up fighting,” he said. 

Mthombeni explained that chessboards were chosen for the donation because they encourage creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

“Chess teaches us to set up goals and the importance of planning. While you are playing there, you must come up with a plan. Chess also teaches us that every decision we make, there will be a consequence for the future,” he said.

“We knew for a fact that this is one of the learning equipment which should encourage you to think critically at an early age, and it will be of a great advantage to you,” he said. 

Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine encouraged learners to stay focused on their education, emphasising that determination can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. 

“Do not be distracted by anyone, either by peer pressure or the drug lords. Our schools these days are surrounded by drug lords,” he said. 

He urged learners to stay away from drugs, adding that their refusal should be firm. 

Thine also encouraged them to focus on achieving their goals and excelling academically.

Mamelodi West police station commissioner, Brigadier Kervin Solomons, said: “Today’s event is proof of philosophy in action. We are not reacting to crime. We are interrupting the cycle of crime.” 

He said chess teaches the learners to think ahead, both on the board and in life, and motivates them to choose strategy and focus over peer pressure.

School governing body member Thalitha Mboweni spoke about the importance of raising awareness about crime to discourage learners from participating in it. She highlighted that the school faces issues such as bullying, cyberbullying, and gambling.

“We discipline learners involved in criminal activities to prevent such behaviour from spreading to others. Depending on the severity, we sometimes give them a seven-day suspension,” she said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za