By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
Grade-12 learners are well within their matric exams, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has issued a stern warning to those who are planning matric pens down celebrations.
The KZN Police Commissioner said these celebrations are prone to eThekwini Region and the neighbouring iLembe District.
“We are issuing a stern warning against those grade-12 learners who are now busy with their final examinations that their focus should be on what lies ahead. They must focus on having completed their matric and focus on their Higher Education and Training that is going to be next year,” said Mkhwanazi.
He said while they understand that learners are going to attend these parties.
“These parties must not be used to end their lives, and these parties must be treated in a manner that it’s a celebratory party and not parties that are going to cause mayhem to the local communities where some of these kids are going to fall victims of rape, assault and even murder.”
“In these parties, learners, some of them still under age, indulge in alcohol and they also take drugs. Unfortunately, many of these parties do not necessarily end well. There are a lot of casualties that occur during these parties,” he added.
Mkhwanazi appealed to parents to be present and adopt active parents’ rules and discourage their children from risking when at these celebrations and encourage their children to behave responsibly.
