Four drug-related deaths, two of minors, in just 10 days
Just days after the fourth person died because of drugs, police arrested a suspect selling drugs at a school.
Krugersdorp suffered a great loss when four community members, two of whom were minors, died in less than 10 days as a result of drug use.
A high school learner committed suicide at a local high school after she heard that her parents had discovered that she was an addict. It’s alleged she went to the sick bay where she proceeded to hang herself. Then another high school learner at a different school went to a family house in Hartbeespoort and shot himself because of his addiction.
The third person was found in Sivewright Street, Krugersdorp’s notorious drug hub, at 3am. He had been in and out of rehab a few times. The fourth victim was taken to hospital after feeling ill and died there because his organs ceased functioning in a drug-related death.
The Krugersdorp War Against Drugs group helped the police to trace the family of one of the deceased and posted this on Facebook:
“We did not know him so well, but he climbed into our hearts. Where you are now, you are safe and warm in our Father’s house. We lay you down at God’s feet. Your heart will be full of happiness and love. To his family, mom, sister and brother, our hearts are hurting with you and we believe that the Lord will take your pain and wipe away the tears. Good luck to family.”
The group posed a very important question to the community on Facebook, asking, “Should dealers be charged with murder?” after police arrested suspects for selling drugs at a school.
Also Read: 13-year-old girl rescued from drug house
The police’s social crime unit and their crime prevention colleagues recently surprised learners of a local high school with an unannounced visit.
The plan to ambush criminal elements and activities at the school was executed after police received a complaint from the principal. He informed the police about a learner who was in possession of drugs and selling them to other learners on the school premises. The police members then visited the school and conducted a search in one of the classes where the alleged dealer was.
During the search, they found an 18-year-old Grade 10 learner in possession of a quantity of cash and several small plastic bags containing dagga. He was arrested and later led the police to Tshepisong, where he pointed out two of his suppliers. They were also found in possession of packets of dagga and the proceeds (cash) from the sale thereof.
Photo: Submitted.
The two dealers, aged 24 and 28, were put under arrest and later detained at Kagiso Police station. A case docket of dealing in and possession of dagga was opened for each suspect. The learner was also charged with dealing in dagga.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court soon, on charges of dealing in and possessing dagga.
“Schools are institutions of higher learning, not selling drugs. We will continue working closely with everyone to get rid of criminal elements hiding in school uniform,” said acting Kagiso Police station commander, Colonel Mabuso.
Moms against Drugs (MAD), a prayer and support group for mothers who have children with addictions, said that parents could identify drug use by using these pointers:
• Don’t be embarrassed if your child has a drug problem – speak out, ask for help, educate yourself about drugs and take control of the situation
• Five-panel urine tests are available at Dis-Chem and Clicks. Do regular drug tests, find out what drug your child is on, if any
• Dagga stays in the system for three to six weeks
• Ecstasy stays in urine for three to four days after ingestion
• Methamphetamine (tik/ crystal meth/ CAT) can be traced in urine for three to six days after use
Symptoms of drug abuse:
• Dagga
Red eyes, increased appetite, increased heart rate, sleeping a lot
School performance is reduced as a result of impaired memory and lessened ability to solve problems
• Ecstacy
Impaired judgement, confusion, depression, severe anxiety, battling to sleep, paranoia, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills or sweating
• Crystal meth/ tik/ Cat
Disturbed sleeping patterns – not sleeping for days and then sleeping for two days, not eating, weight loss, insomnia, aggression, anxiety and paranoia, large pupils of the eyes
• Synthetic drugs (that do not show on drug tests) Spice, K2 and bath salts
They are chemically made versions of illegal drugs that have been altered to avoid being classified as illegal
Hallucinations, confusion and disorientation, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, high fever, heavy sweating, kidney malfunction
MAD’s aim is to aid and advise moms in the form of prayer and counselling to cope with their drug-addicted children, teaching their children boundaries but also to let them know that they are loved and can be part of a positive community again. Their next drug workshop is on 23 June at the Kloofendal NG Kerk situated at 19 Opal Road. There is no charge, but booking is essential by 6 June. For more information, contact Erika on 083 644 8532.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
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