Two arrested after unlicensed firearm found in schoolbag at Atlantis school

Two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, have been arrested after police discovered an unlicensed firearm in a schoolbag at Atlantis High School on 28 August. The Atlantis Crime Prevention Unit conducted the search following a tip-off about a firearm, leading to the arrest of the two suspects. Police revealed that the firearm had belonged to a deceased person, prompting the Western Cape Education Department to urge the public to surrender firearms belonging to deceased relatives to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

The WCED emphasized that while schools are weapon-free zones, learners sometimes carry weapons for protection or to "show off," and disciplinary action is taken when weapons are found on school premises. The department also highlighted the importance of random search and seizure guidelines, allowing schools to conduct searches if there is reasonable suspicion that a learner is concealing a dangerous object or illegal substance.

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