Tembisa South Police raise awareness on substance abuse
SAPS unite with stakeholders to fight the scourge of drugs.
Tembisa South Police and different stakeholders addressed the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse at Sam Hlalele Hall on Friday, July 20.
Tembisa South SAPS communications officer Captain Neldah Sekgobela said the event was organised by Tembisa South Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Nonjabulo Mogale.
Stakeholders include members from Ekurhuleni North Cluster, Department of Community Safety, Community Policing Forum, National Prosecuting Authority, Social Development, Social Movement, Department of Correctional Service, Makhukhanyee Rehabilitation Centre, Tembisa Child Welfare, Thuthuzela Care Centre, EMPD, community patrollers, Department of Health, Gravetown Arts Foundation, Tintswalo Home-based Care, Ten Commandments Community Centre and Coca-Cola,” said Sekgobela.
“We had learners from different high Schools which Jiyane Secondary School, Masisebenze Comprehensive School, Tembisa West Secondary School, Armour Foundation and Kwazini Adult School.
“The station commander of Tembisa South SAPS Colonel Nthipe Boloka spoke at length on the issue of criminal activities which result from drug abuse by young people in the Tembisa area,” said Sekgobela.
Boloka further cited a case which took place a few months back where one learner was arrested after he stabbed another learner with a knife outside the school premises after they fought for unknown reasons.
“The learner who committed the crime is no longer schooling due to drug addiction.”
Director Sonnyboy Mmatli from the Department of Community Safety mentioned that their office is also shocked at the crimes happening in the society due to alcohol and substance abuse.
“He said it’s time for people to stop substance abuse and that includes smoking cigarettes.
“He said cigarettes pose health hazards to smoking learners,” Sekgobela said.
Representatives from a local rehabilitation centre, called Ten Commandments, encouraged the community to work together with police to fight drugs in Tembisa.
Even the drug addicts and the community at large were encouraged to assist local rehabilitation centres in order to enable the rehabilitation process to be effective.
“Motivational speaker Frederick Mmamabolo advised the youth and learners to think and love themselves.
“He told them to stop stressing people around them. He further mentioned that nobody must be pressurised to do things that they don’t want to do,” said Sekgobela.
