Police seize glass shards, scissors in Gauteng high school raids

Police seized more than 100 illegal items, including glass shards and scissors, during raids of three high schools in Alexandra, Gauteng. The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted unannounced searches at East Bank, Realogile, and Alexandra high schools to improve school safety and prevent substance abuse, dangerous weapons, and other prohibited items.

Lebogang Maile, the MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, announced the operation, which aimed to protect learners and educators. At East Bank High School, approximately 40 items were confiscated, including eight disposable vape devices, cigarettes, matchboxes, scissors, and glass shards. Realogile High School had over 41 items seized, such as seven disposable vapes, glass shards, scissors, and matchboxes.

Alexandra High School saw 28 items taken, including five disposable vapes, glass shards, matchboxes, and other items. Maile expressed concern over the nature of the seized items, particularly suspected drugs and weapons, emphasizing their absence from educational environments. He urged parents to check their children's belongings and stressed that schools are a joint responsibility of society.

Learners found with prohibited items would face disciplinary action, while criminal conduct would be handled by SAPS.