Drugs scourge menaces BCM primary schools

Drug abuseby pupils at Buffalo City Metro schools is a growing problem, with primary schools now among those sounding the alarm. From Duncan Village to Kusile and Nompumelelo, school governing body members, police and community forums say substance abuse among pupils is widespread. At Duncan Village Primary School, eight pupils in grades 6 and 7 were recently caught allegedly using anti-anxiety medication Xanax.

They are believed to have been dissolving the drug in water and drinking the solution during break time. Duncan Village CPF chair Zola Titi said the forum was called to the school after teachers raised concerns about pupils being high in class. “We came to address this matter and identify those using drugs.” He said the drugs were being sold to pupils outside the school premises.

“They [pupils] mix the pill into water and drink it,” Titi said. He said eight pupils had been acting strangely after a break, with some giggling and others appearing drowsy. When confronted, “one of the pupils became aggressive”.

[paywall]

The pupils later allegedly confessed to taking the drugs. Duncan Village Primary parents told the Daily Dispatch the school had held a meeting to inform them.

[/paywall]