15/09/2025
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER; FREE STATE PROVINCE
MANGAUNG METRO DISTRICT JOINTS CONDUCTS AWARENESS AGAINST GANGSTERISM
Monday 15 September 2025
BLOEMFONTEIN: Mangaung Metro Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure [DistrictJOINTS] Chairperson, Major-General Arthur Peter Adams; Youth and Social Responsibility Committee co-chairs Colonel Isak Francis and District Schools Safety Coordinator Ms Makgauta Mthembu led a off-cuffs heart-to-heart conversation with learners at Commtech Comprehensive Secondary School, Singozo Street - Phelandaba in Kopanong Police Station precinct.
During Operation Shanela II high density deployment, Major-General Adams met a grade 9 boy, and the learner shared a touching story of peer pressure for participation in gangsterism activities amongst learners. The Commissioner then called for roleplayers in DistrictJOINTS to visit Commtech Comprehensive Secondary School. Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport joined the South African Police Service and Department of Education on parade where General Adams pleaded for a different approach to create awareness of the dangers of gangsterism to the learners. To bridge the generation gap, the General tasked two young members of the Service; Constable Keorapetse and Constable Avela Mawana, to speak the language youth can understand when addressing the learners.
"Lord, teach me how to pray," sobbed Constable Mawana. The young constable reminded the learners of their beauty. She assured each and every learner that their backgrounds should not determine their destinies. Constable Sebusi talked about experimenting with things that will end up in bad experiences. Today's actions because of peer pressure into gangsterism will lead to one having a criminal record.
Ms Mthembu acknowledged roleplayers in School Safety Protocol, and admired the dedication from South African Police Service and Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport, "it takes a village to raise a child. We will keep moulding you because you are the future." Colonel Francis lamented the influence the tradition of initiation school which is abused into gangsterism. "Don't burden yourself with too many things, enjoy being a child and concentrate on your education."
General Adams enlightened the learners, "the police is a very respected institution, even the gangs name their most feared leader after the police highest ranked officer, the General." The Commissioner noticed that the learners were instructed to take off hats during prayer but most didn't, "dont challenge authority!" The General recalled commotion labeled 'raorao'; during raorao or chaos, gang members pick up stones and throw each other. The stone can cause grievous bodily harm, it can damage an old woman's windows or cause malicious damage to property on a passing motor vehicle. General made example of a young male who is currently under custody because he stabbed another during 'rao-rao'. "I see aspirations and dreams infront of me, make the right choice," concluded the General.
ENDS
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