Between 29 September and 5 October Krugersdorp Police and other specialised units made 42 drug-related arrests ranging from possession of and dealing in drugs in the Krugersdorp area.
Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Tshepiso Mashale expresses her concern that a large portion of police resources and time are spend on attempts to address drug abuse and related crimes in Krugersdorp.
“We advise the community to stay away from drug abuse because of the effects addiction and the trade have not only on one’s health but how it destroys relationships and family life,” she says.
She appeals to the family and friends of those involved with drugs to seek help.
“Free treatment for drug addiction is available at public hospitals and other organisations in the province,” she says.
According to Mashale some of the organisations that can help are The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca).
The following toll-free helplines are open 24 hours per day:
• Sadag: 0800 205 026
• Sanca: 0861 472 622.
The Krugersdorp Police call on the community to educate themselves in the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and to report drug-related crimes in the suburbs where they live.
