An investigation has been launched after a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil allegedly disclosed her involvement in a network linked to drug distribution and the provision of sexual services in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal.
Intervention by Reaction Unit South Africa
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has handed over a 5-minute and 5-second BodyCam recording captured on Device 089 to detectives attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit of the South African Police Service. The footage was recorded when a female Reaction Officer responded to a primary school in Durban following concerns raised by the principal and two female educators regarding the learner's behavior over a period of time.
Discovery and school incidents
On the day of the incident, staff observed unknown men stopping in a vehicle near the school fence and handing items to the learner. Fearing that the activity could place the child and other pupils at risk, the school contacted RUSA. During the interaction with a female Reaction Officer in the administration office, the learner allegedly removed suspected drugs from her socks and confirmed she had been concealing drugs in different areas within the primary school.
Revelations and alleged network
According to RUSA, the 13-year-old stated she was recruited by friends to distribute Cocaine, Rock, and Mandrax within the eThekwini Region. She further claimed she had previously been apprehended on four occasions but had not been detained or criminally charged for drug dealing. During the conversation, the child also disclosed that she had been delivering drugs directly to residences and visiting hotels where she provided sexual services.
The minor claimed that other females were involved in the activities and had encouraged her to participate, citing money, power, and respect among her motivations. She additionally alleged that another minor, reported to be aged 11, was part of the group, and that she had previously been hospitalised after swallowing drugs.
Police investigation and protection of minor
The complete BodyCam recording has been handed to specialised SAPS detectives to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the allegations and identifying any individuals who may have been involved. RUSA has deliberately withheld the name of the school, the identities, images, and other sensitive information to protect the minor, delaying publication of the report pending the investigation.