Tsakane police educate community on drug abuse

The Tsakane SAPS held a drug awareness dialogue on the corner of Banana and Tsakane roads in Extension 11 on Tuesday.

The dialogue formed part of a build-up campaign towards a national programme which will soon be launched in Duduza.

Tsakane police spokesperson, Sergeant Lerato Mngomezulu, says the objective of the dialogue is to get young people talking about drug addiction.

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“We are currently facing a challenge of young people who are addicted to drugs.

“We want those who are addicted to know that it is not the end of their lives and they can still get out,” says Mngomezulu.

“We want them to know of the different rehabilitation centres available to cater for their needs.”

According to Mngomezulu, the dialogue was attended by over 200 young people of different ages and genders, including drug users and former drug addicts.

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“We are happy that young people in the area agreed to participate in the dialogue,” she says.

“This will help them to make informed decisions about their future and drug usage.

“They heard the experiences from recovering users who have been there before and know that one can lose everything because of drug addiction.”

The attendees were also given the opportunity to ask the former drug users questions and seek clarification from them.

“The dialogue had an impact because many of the users were ready to turn their lives around and go for rehabilitation,” says Mngomezulu.

“Many of them promised to admit themselves at the centre at their own time and will.”