The Gauteng social development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, has welcomed the classification of nyaope as an illegal substance.
The amendment was recently made to the Drugs and Trafficking Act, which now means people can be arrested and charged for being in possession of the substance.
According to the MEC, the recent declaration is a game-changer in the fight against drug abuse.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe signed the amendment to the Act with the minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi.
The amendment means that if a person is found in possession of nyaope, he or she could be sentenced to up to 15 years in jail. If found dealing in nyaope, a person could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.
“The legislative amendment is a step in the right direction, as it means the police can arrest suspects within the legal framework. The amendment also has the potential to enable prosecutors to prosecute suspects successfully,” said MEC Mayathula-Khoza.
“The classification of nyaope as an illegal drug will result in the dismantling of crimes associated with the substance,” she added.
