Pretoria, 28 August 2024- In a bid to raise awareness and combat rising social ills, members of the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, visited the IIE Rosebank College on the 28 of August 2024 at aroud 10:00 till 12:00. The special task force team addressed students and staff on critical issues, including gender based violence, drug syndicate, human trafficking and fraud.
The event held at the campus drew a large audience of students, lectures and school officials. During their presetation, the Hawks representative Colonel Nkwalasa emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to combat these crimes.
One of the primary topics discussed was gender based violence. The Hawks urged students to speak up against any form of abuse and assured them of confidentiality and protection when reporting such incidents. They highlighted the alarming rise in GBV cases and the need for a united front to ensure safer environments for everyone.”Gender- based violence affects not only the victims but also their famalies and communities.” said Colonel Nkwalasa, a spokesperson for the Hawks.
The Hawks also shed light on the increasing issue of drug abuse among young people. Officers provided information on the harmful effects of narcotics and the legal consequences of drug possession and trafficking. They encouraged students to aviod peer pressure and seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with addiction.
“We see a disturbing trend where drugs are becoming accessible to students” said Colonel Nkwalasa. “Our aim is to educate you so that you can make informed choices and stay clear of activities that could ruin your future.”
Human trafficking was another critical issue addressed during the session. The Hawks provided students with information on recognisng the signs of human trafficking and emphasized the importance of being cautious with personal information and online interactions.
“Traffickers often use social media to lure victims.” Miss Liesel warned. “Be careful who you communicate with online and always inform a trusted adult about any suspicious activities.”
Lastly, the Hawks discussed various types of fraud, including cyber fraud which has become increasingly prevalent. They advised students to safeguard their personal information and remain cautious when dealing with unknown contacts or financial transactions.
The school representative praised the Hawks for their commitment to educating and protecting the youth. “We are grateful for the Hawks visit.” he said. The Hawks visit concluded with a Q&A session, where everyone who attended had the opportunity to ask questions and gain more insights into the discussed issues. Information and numbers were distributed to attendees.
Site Title 