Police warn learners against crime
20 Aug 2025
Maun Station Commander has expressed concern over the persistent involvement of some learners in criminal activities.
Addressing Tshwaragano Junior Secondary School pupils on August 18, Superintendent Joseph Lepodise, said such behaviour posed a significant threat to the learners’ future.
He thus urged them to desist from such activities and instead focus on their education.
He highlighted that the police were disturbed by increasing reports of learners engaging in crimes such as theft, drug dealing and use, bullying, sexual activities and robbery.
“These actions often lead to serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion from school,” he said.
He added that some learners absconded from school to engage in social ills, while others carried dangerous objects like knives, axes, screwdrivers and spears to school and engage in fights.
He cited a case from last year where a learner at one of the schools stabbed another with a knife during the examination period.
“This incident affected the learner’s education because he was arrested to answer for the offense,” he said.
Supt Lepodise further noted that some learners had joined gangster groups and urged them to protect their future by desisting from criminal activities.
“This is the opportune time for self-reflection and to make choices that will shape your future instead of investing your time and energy in negative things that will destroy your lives. You should focus on your studies and avoid all things that can ruin your educational career,” he said.
Learners were warned against bad peer groups that could entice them into using drugs and alcohol. They were also advised to be assertive and avoid temptations.
Supt Lepodise said it was disturbing that some learners, especially those from economically challenged families, were targeted by drug lords to be triggered into selling and using drugs while the drug lords’ own children were busy with their studies.
The police chief also urged learners to always report to the police and seek guidance when they faced challenges. He said they should be disciplined and respect school authorities to become responsible citizens in the future.
He also blamed some parents for failing to teach their children moral values, noting that moral values helped children understand what was right and wrong, shaping their character and personality.
Sub-Inspector Segopolo Lefatshe of the Gender and Child Protection Unit also concurred that the involvement of learners in criminal activities was worrisome.
He called on them to stay away from anti-social vices and instead pursue careers that would enhance their personal development.
He urged learners to heed the message and avoid being either culprits or victims of crime.
“You should avoid bars and clubs under the pretext of playing snooker because that is a significant distraction from studying,” he said.
He also called on parents to mold their children into responsible citizens, noting that some learners were easy targets and got involved in criminal activities such as dealing in drugs.
The school head, Ms Lynette Setumo, thanked police for addressing learners on issues of concern.
She expressed concern over indiscipline among learners, such as absenteeism and the rivalry of gangs in the school who teamed up with people outside the school to engage in fights. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Esther Mmolai
Location : Maun
Event : Address
Date : 20 Aug 2025
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