The MEC for Education in Limpopo Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has expressed disappointment following the arrest of a 33-year-old male teacher employed at Mashashane Combined High School, was arrested for allegedly driving around Polokwane CBD and selling drugs.
On Wednesday IOL News reported that the police found him in possession of drugs worth R20,000, along with an unlicensed firearm containing live ammunition discovered in his vehicle.
Meanwhile, Lerule-Ramakhanya, said that the department was disheartened by the incident, particularly in light of the ongoing devastation drugs cause in communities.
“More especially school-going youth who should be under the teachers' care and control,” she said.
She said the department condemns such criminal behaviour with the disdain and disgust it rightly deserves.
“Although we can’t comment on the merits of the case as the matter is sub-judice, the department’s disciplinary procedures will be instituted as soon as the teacher reports for duty,” Lerule-Ramakhanya said.
Limpopo provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident occurred on Tuesday while the police and Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad were conducting patrols in the Capricorn District hotspots.
Ledwaba said the police received a tip-off about a vehicle suspected of selling and distributing drugs in Polokwane’s central business district (CBD).
“At about 1pm, police received information about a silver VW Polo motor vehicle suspected to be distributing and selling drugs in Polokwane CBD.”
Ledwaba said that additional police were promptly summoned to the area. Upon arrival, they immediately began searching for the suspect's vehicle, successfully located it and tactically foiled his escape at General Piet Joubert and Rissik streets.
He said following that, the 33-year-old male teacher was arrested for dealing and possession of drugs, and for the possession of an unlicensed firearm containing live ammunition.
“The motor vehicle with one occupant was searched and police discovered money, drugs with an estimated street value of R20,000 together with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition concealed inside it.”
The police shared a picture revealing cash notes and coins, drugs packaged in plastic, as well as a firearm and six rounds of live ammunition discovered inside the suspect's vehicle.
Ledwaba said that after the suspect was arrested at the scene, his vehicle was later impounded.
Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the men and women in blue for their continued effort to combat drug-related crimes in the province.
“Such educators who are on drugs cannot be entrusted with the education of our children; we call for the Department to take harsh measures and remove such from the system and its payroll,” said Hadebe.
Ledwaba said that police investigations are ongoing, and the 33-year-old suspect is expected to soon appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court, on charges of drug dealing, drug possession, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
IOL