Pupil Fined for Cannabis Possession at School

An 18-year-old pupil has been convicted for possessing cannabis on school premises in Inyathi, as reported by the Daily News. Clifford Phiri pleaded guilty and was fined, highlighting the legal consequences of drug possession on campus and the zero-tolerance policy. The case highlights the prevalence of drug use in schools, with authorities struggling to curb the trend through enforcement alone without addressing root causes. Educators have called for stricter enforcement and rehabilitation programmes to address root causes and prevent future incidents. The core vulnerability is the lack of comprehensive drug education and support systems, leaving punitive measures as the primary response. This approach fails to address the underlying issues driving substance abuse among students, such as peer pressure and lack of awareness.