This was indeed one of the scariest things I have ever seen since I first observed a group of local musicians smoke themselves crazy with joint after joint of the dreaded drug Mandrax in the basement of the old Chelsea Hotel in Hillbrow in the 1980s.
It was also around the same time that a young aspiring female singer from Thembisa, who was close to the late popular Afro-pop female star, Benda Fassie, died of an overdose of the same drug at the notorious Quiranale Hotel, just a few streets away from the Chelsea, several months later.
“Gafifi”, as the drug was popularly known in the townships and around the dark alleys of Hillbrow and Soweto’s social scene, had become the latest “hip” recreational drug concoction for socialites, artists and musicians. A mixture of cannabis and Mandrax, Gafifi was taking South Africa’s social scene to another level.
Since then, depending on which side of the social fence one prefers to stand, many of the drugs used and abused by addicts in this country have evolved into different varieties and classes. And now, with the arrival of the latest drug craze known as Flakka, drugs and drug addiction will never be the same again and many young people could go crazy or even lose their lives.
Drug rehabilitation experts fear that Flakka, the drug they describe as the “new” weapon in the destruction of the poor and the vulnerable” in our townships, could have a serious impact on the lives of addicts of all ages and gender. It can drive people crazy and even kill just as many.
In a recent public statement released about the new drug, it is estimated that Flakka will kill more young addicts than all the guns and knives put together. Parents and teachers have been warned to be vigilant for any signs of Flakka addiction in their children both at home and at schools.
First introduced to addicts in the US barely a year or so ago, Flakka has now finally found its way to our shores and every young person, boy or girl, is at risk. Parents and teachers have also been asked to show a keen interest in the activities of their young ones, their social lives and the company they keep.
Some of the important tips for parents and teachers on the lookout for the drug include:
• Friends their children keep
• Monitoring the activities of their children at home and at school
• Checking and searching their school clothes and bags for traces of the drug
• Monitoring unusual smells on their children’s clothing
• Their children’s sudden interest in always having money
• Knowing your children’s friends
• Monitor the behaviour of both your children their friends
• Checking for sudden changes in speech, manner and behaviour
• Heeding tips about your children’s sudden visit to drug dens
• Not ignoring what people are saying about your children
• Talking openly to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol
• Remembering that alcohol is the gateway to drugs and other social abuses.
Captain Mega Ndobe, the media liaison officer for the Katlehong SAPS, said parents at home should be more vigilant about their children’s behavioural changes such as:
• Self isolation and refusal to participate in family activities at home
• Use of abusive language and bad temper
• Theft of money and other valuables in the home
• Bunking school
• Arriving home late from school
Nbobe, who is also responsible for giving regular talks to young learners at different schools around Kathorus about alcohol and substance abuse, urged parent who notice some of these behavioral changes in their children should not hesitate to contact the police for help.
You’ve been warned – Flakka will destroy your life!
