The week started on a bad note for two Allen Glen High pupils who they were on their way to school when they were approached by a suspicious vehicle.
According to Honeydew CPF public relations officer, Jon Rosenberg the boys were walking to school on 24 October when a vehicle approached them. Marike Kruger, a resident in Amarant Street,Weltevreden Park, where the incident occurred, said she heard a scream. According to Kruger, the pupils told her that a silver Hyundai with two occupants approached them and threatened them with a firearm.
The driver told them that they should stop screaming as they have a weapon. The car then sped off. Nothing was taken.
“They probably wanted to take their cellphones or wallets,” said Kruger. She added that when she saw the incident she immediately sent a message to the area’s emergency WhatsApp group. Within seven minutes, four security companies were on scene.
“The security initiative and being part of a residents association really does have its benefits, as it connects people,” said Kruger.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body of Allen Glen High, Warren McKrill provided safety tips for pupils when they need to walk to school. He said that these tips were given to pupils after the incident during assembly and during register classes.
- Be smart and aware of your surroundings
- Avoid strangers asking for directions
- Walk away when approached by strangers
- Do not approach a car when they call you
- Do not walk with earphones as you are a target (it advertises that you have a phone or tablet)
- Walk in groups where possible
- Do not sit outside the school gates with a phone or tablet in full view.
