Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE have urged teachers to closely monitor students and help them stay away from drugs and substance abuse.
The call was made yesterday by Acting Officer Commanding Harare province, Assistant Commissioner Sithulisiwe Mthimkhulu, at the back-to-school awareness campaign at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.
“As police, we are concerned about unbecoming behaviour of some children at school premises, cases of drugs and substances found in trunks and satchels, pornographic materials and bullying of learners by others.
‘‘We are urging teachers to closely monitor learners’ behaviour and consider engaging Chaplains and local pastors for counselling.
“We encourage teachers as well to desist from engaging in drug and substance abuse and consider counselling.”
Addressing transporters, Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) administrator, Tigere Chigome urged drivers to avoid over-speeding and over-loading to avoid accidents. “We are proud of you parents for considering hiring better buses, in good condition for the safety of your children.
“We are now urging drivers to avoid loading learners like luggage, it puts weight on wheels and causes accidents.
“We are discouraging drivers from overtaking at blind areas, let us drivers to arrive alive.
“The desire to reach destinations quickly, especially during peak travel periods, can lead to reckless driving and exceeding speed limits,” said Chigome.
Shadreck Maguramhinga, president of Zimbabwe union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), urged drivers to avoid late-night travel saying it leads to driver fatigue, impacting judgment and reaction time. “We do not expect drivers to use cellphones or headphones when driving,” he said.
Neddy Nhidza of Women in Transport Zimbabwe Association urged parents to give their children enough food to avoid begging from male schoolmates.
“Let us defend our children from all forms of abuse at school. Give them enough food and clothes so that they do not beg or be forced to work for missing items,” said Neddy.
