VARIOUS Internet cafes and tuck shops were found to be used as fronts for drug dealing, police said.
This was revealed at a recent public meeting organised by the DA, where feedback was given on progress made after their drug march on October 17.
The march ended at Kempton Park Police Station where Councillor Jaco Terblanche and MPL Refiloe Nt’sekhe explained the challenges of citizens in Kempton Park who are affected by drugs.
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A memorandum was also submitted to the police with a list of suspected drug dens – this information was given to the DA by community members.
The other objective of the march was to strengthen community relationships with the police.
“Following the drug march, a public feedback meeting with the SAPS was recently held in the Kempton Park Chambers. Colonel Malesela Mapulane gave feedback as Head of Crime Prevention in Kempton Park SAPS,” Nt’sekhe said in a statement released on Friday last week.
According to the MPL, Kempton Park Police Station takes the situation of drugs very seriously and one of their biggest concerns is school children using drugs.
During the meeting the following information was conveyed in terms of fighting the drug problem in Kempton Park:
• Various Internet cafés and tuck shops are fronts for drug dealing and arrests have been made
• Numerous houses are still being investigated and the SAPS are expecting a breakthrough soon
• Transporting vehicles have been identified with a specific routine and destination. SAPS now just need to operationalise
• Raids have been conducted and school children have been found in possession of drugs
“The community also raised concerns of prostitution taking place in Kempton Park during the meeting. The SAPS said to prove that prostitution is taking place is difficult as no-one is willing to come forward,” Nt’sekhe explained.
Nt’sekhe said community members further raised the problem of taverns, where some mini-bus drivers are going and drinking with young children. The SAPS asks for assistance to monitor these taverns.
Taverns can also be closed down if they don’t comply with the by-laws.
“The DA believes that all residents have the right to a safe and healthy living environment,” Nt’sekhe concluded, saying the DA would continue to work with the police to make the streets of Kempton safe.
