Bitou Law Enforcement confiscated dangerous weapons, marijuana, e-smokers, and cell phones at a random search at Plett Secondary School today, 11 April 2024. 

The search was part of the Safer Schools Program which also assists pupils with crossing busy intersections, and general safekeeping. 

This program aims to reduce violence at schools. 

Other stakeholders involved in the operation included the South African Police Service  (SAPS) Fidelity ADT and the  Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association  (PBCPA). 

This randomized search yielded positive results. 

The confiscated items included: over 60 pairs of scissors, over 15 cell phones, earphones, cigarettes, vapes and rolled joints. 

This search was much appreciated by the school’s Principal, Juan Julies, who said this would be discussed at an SGB meeting this week. 

Speaking on the operation Inspector Xolani Bangela said: “We are trying to stop gangsterism and other illegal activity that is happening at our school. 

“We know that drugs lead the youth to be violent- we want our schools to be safe,” he said. 

“Further, we are going to see other schools around Bitou so they must be aware,” he added. 

Meanwhile, SAPS Captain Marlene Peterse said they were approached by Bitou to assist in the program. 

“We joined our stakeholders on concentrating on the crime that  is happening at the school. 

“We concentrated on drugs, weapons, and cell phones as they are not allowed to bring them to school. 

“We believe that today will be a deterrent to them,” Captain Peterse added.