Nyaope has been declared an illegal drug but residents in Ivory Park are concerned about the possible implications of this.
The recent amendment to the Drugs and Trafficking Act means anyone found in possession of Nyaope could receive a jail sentence of up to 15 years.
Dealers could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.
Residents are concerned about what will happen to the addicts once in prison.
One resident, Ms Maria Serumula, said she only wanted drug dealers to be arrested and not the addicts.
“Drug addicts are sick people who need help. Our children failed in the test of temptation. We hope the government will sympathise with addicts when it comes to sentencing,” said Ms Serumula.
According to Mr Serumula, many dealers walk freely on the streets and have no fear of the police. She believes this is because many dealers pay bribes to the police.
“The police will hold operations to catch users as they are easy targets, anyone can identify an nyaope user in the townships,” she said.The president of Operation Thiba Nyaope, Mr Terance Dzeli, said he is happy the NPA has finally classified nyaope as an illegal drug.
“It is a victory in the battle of classifying nyaope as a drug. We are happy the Department of Justice has responded positively. As one of the organisations fighting the use of drugs in the communities, we roll back on our game. We are hoping it will provide a solution. We have identified certain elements within the Act we are uncomfortable with. If addicts 15 years in prison, it will create chaos within communities. We are satisfied with the sentence for dealers,” he said.
Mr Dzeli added that prison will only destroy the future of addicts, as they would now have criminal records.
“Crime will still remain high because the addicts would not be given jobs because of criminal records. We are automatically building a society with no future,” he added.
Ivory Park SAPS’ Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela said nyaope is an illegal drug and anyone found using it, or in possession of the drug, will be arrested and charged.
“Parents are encouraged to take care of their children. They should make sure they do not get involve in drugs,” said W/O Sekgobela.
