VAALWATER - The use of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse amongst the youth has become one of the contributing factors that exacerbates crime within the communities.

To reduce crime levels, the South African Police Service in Vaalwater represented by Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator and Junior management Core Waterberg Chairperson, Constable Kekana in collaboration with Mr Martin Ramaboya from Department of Social development, Mr Zach Sekhu and Waterberg FM DJ Ayoba embarked on a crime awareness campaign on Monday, 27 June 2022.

The objective of the campaign was to encourage the youth to steer away from drugs and substance abuse and also to be aware of the consequences and impact it have on families.

Furthermore the team reminded the youth to focus on education and to stay in school.

The following topics were addressed during this campaign:

• Gender-based violence;

• The dangers of drugs and substance abuse;

• Children's rights and

• Teenage pregnancy.

The campaign was a success as the SAPS believes that youth engagement is essential to building a safer South Africa.

Source: South African Police Service