Wellington police recently elected their Youth Forum during a meeting held at the Wellington Town Hall earlier this month.
The forum of nine includes youth from Boland College, Stellenbosch, local churches, Bergriver and Weltevrede Secondary Schools and graduates in theology.
Wellington Station Commander Colonel Johan Barkhuizen welcomed the forum, which will aid in addressing youth crimes and focus on youth programmes.
Barkhuizen earlier said it is sad to see that an alarming percentage of perpetrators that are arrested for crimes such as housebreaking, carjacking and drug peddling are youth. “The youth is the future of our country and must play a major role in its development, but they will not be able to make a meaningful contribution if they involve themselves in crime.
“I want to say to the youth – ‘stay away from crime, as this will spoil your future’. Do not allow yourself to be drawn into crimes by gangs with promises of expensive goods and gifts. Rather involve yourself in studying to better your qualifications, take part in healthy activities such as sport, church outreaches and youth programmes in partnership with the SAPS, where you can learn more about policing and creating a safer society,” he said.
