Authorities and community organisations have issued urgent warnings following a surge in truancy and high-risk behaviour among school pupils in Verulam and along the Durban beachfront.
Image: Google Gemini Ai
Authorities and community organisations have issued urgent warnings following a surge in truancy and high-risk behaviour among school pupils in Verulam and along the Durban beachfront.
The Verulam Business Forum has sounded the alarm, describing the situation as a growing crisis affecting both primary and high school pupils.
“The Verulam Business Forum has observed a deeply troubling trend,” said the organisation’s executive committee (EXCO).
“Many primary and high school pupils are loitering around taxi ranks, bus ranks, and Gandhi Park during school hours instead of attending classes.”
According to the forum, children have been seen engaging in dangerous activities.
“These children are seen getting into vehicles with older males and driving off, consuming alcohol and other drugs, and purchasing painkiller products and mixing them with cool drinks to create dangerous concoctions that intoxicate them.”
The EXCO added that some pupils are “hanging around the so-called dagga shops early in the morning” and “purchasing or carrying vapes, and openly using them”.
“This is not just mischief, it is a crisis threatening the safety, health, and future of our children,” the forum warned.
The organisation reported the incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant bodies but stressed that community and parental involvement remained critical.
“Parents and guardians, it is your responsibility to know what your children are up to. When last did you check their school attendance? When last did you review their performance? Do you know who they associate with? Save your own children, it is your responsibility. Act now. Monitor your children. Protect their future.”
The forum also issued a strong appeal to local businesses.
“Do not sell vape products or cigarettes to children or pupils. Your cooperation is vital to protect our community.”
Meanwhile, the Durban Metro Police has reported a similar increase in truancy cases along the city’s beachfront.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Metro Police said there has been “an increase in the number of pupils found loitering along the Durban beachfront during school hours,” with a particular concern over a rising number of female pupils involved.
“In recent incidents, last Friday two 14-year-old girls were found on the beachfront and escorted back to their school by the Metro Police Dog Unit and beachfront members.
“On Tuesday morning at about 8.30am, another two 14-year-old girls were found loitering in the same area. In both instances, the girls were safely returned to their respective schools and handed over to the school principals.”
Authorities warned that truancy exposed pupils to serious risks.
“Truancy not only disrupts education but also places young pupils at risk of exposure to harmful environments and criminal elements,” metro police said.
Officials have pledged to continue patrols in hotspot areas.
“We will conduct regular patrols and interventions along the beachfront and other identified areas to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils. Let us work together as a community to protect our children and keep them in school,” the statement added.
Both the Verulam Business Forum and metro police have called for a united community response.