Cops out to save laaities

CAPE Flats laaities enjoyed a weekend away at an all-boys camp hosted by cops with the aim of tackling gang recruitment in various communities. 

The camp hosted by the Western Cape Provincial Social Crime and Spiritual Crime Prevention Officers saw 41 teens from crime-infested precincts participate in the three-day event hosted at the Potberg Eco Venue at De Hoop Nature Reserve.

According to police spokesperson Captain Ian Bennett, the boys aged between 13 and 18 came from different precincts including Manenberg, Philippi, Nyanga, Delft and Elsies River among others. 

He says: "The camp welcomed 41 boys, carefully selected from the top 10 high-crime station precincts within the Western Cape Policing Precinct.

"This initiative aimed to equip these young men with the tools to navigate life’s challenges while making better, morally-grounded choices. 

"Building trust and leadership, the camp, strategically designed to empower young boys and nurture them into principled leaders, took place over three activity-packed days." 

As young boys in these communities are vulnerable at the hands of gangs, officers identified laaities who were at risk in the hopes of encouraging them to stay in school instead. 

Bennett adds: "Far from home and disconnected from modern distractions like cellphones, the boys relied on each other for safety and camaraderie, while connecting deeply with the beauty of nature.

"These shared experiences cultivated bonds of trust, resilience, and newfound purpose. The boys were introduced to the principles of Youth for Human Rights, learning about fundamental rights, equality, and the importance of making responsible, ethical choices.

"The weekend marked a transformative beginning for many, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and instilling values that will resonate in their families, communities, and ultimately, in the future of South Africa." 

Bennet said initiatives like this are sorely needed to address various social ills that lead to bigger problems and their training course included issues of gender-based violence and human rights. 

He adds: "We also addressed issues such as substance abuse, gang violence, school dropouts and teenage pregnancy.

"This empowering all-boys camp is a beacon of hope, embodying trust, dignity, and lots of love.

"It has sown seeds that will grow them into honorable men,  leaders capable of transforming their communities. Recognising the significance of these initiatives, SAPS Western Cape emphasises the need for more camps like this for both boys and girls.’