Gangsterism On The Rise In Luderitz?

24 learners from Luderitz High School were suspended for involvement in Gang related activities on Wednesday 9th February.
The learners had organised themselves into gangster groups known as Ice Age, Zula Boys, Outlaws and MOT amongst others. Some of the aims and objectives of the groups include; the encouragement of brutality, through beating and stabbing other learners in and around the school preventing them from attending to their constituent right of attending school and their basic right of free movement. In addition to this violence, the gangs have been engaged in promoting drug and alcohol abuse. Involvement in such activities has been putting their own health at risk, in particular to TB and HIV/AIDS.
Although some parents complained about the suspension of learners, Mr Makaula, Principal of Nautilus High School, maintains that the suspension was a necessary and effective precaution. A measure which succeeded in halting the fights after school, and allowed other learners to attend lessons in a safe environment unimpeded by the gang’s unlawful activities.
Inspector Iikuyu calls parents and teachers to work together. In particular he appeals to the parents to make time to talk to their children about discipline and the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Inspector Iikuyu suggests a greater degree of control on behalf of the parents, by checking inside their children’s bags and ensuring they are at home and not on the streets each evening. The Women, Child and Men’s Protection Unit is open to both parents and learners should they require assistance and the police station is open 24 hours a day.
Luderitz police force are at present attempting to patrol the areas between schools and location to the best of their ability. In addition, alcohol outlets will be monitored to ensure compliance with the Liquor Act in order to reduce
underage drinking.
By working together with parents and teachers, Inspector Iikuyu believes these gangs and their activities can be disbanded before they gain momentum, the concordance of all involved parties will be crucial in the coming weeks and months to ensure a safe future for all learners and residents of Luderitz.•