Martin Verster of Zebulun reached out to www.mobserver.co.za after a report on Jarod’s ongoing deterioration on the steets of Middelburg.

Www.mobserver.co.za visited Jarod two weeks ago after numerous phone calls from worried residents who believed they were witnessing him dying on the corner of Koets- and Meyer Street, where he usually begs for money to feed his heroin addiction.

Upon arrival, Jarod was found in the middle of the road, unable to stand up straight and in obvious pain.
Looking at him, it was understandable that residents thought his body was shutting down.

Jarod however explained that he was attacked by men in the bushes where he slept, beaten, kicked and robbed of his only blanket and scant belongings.
He received treatment at a local clinic following the attack in which he sustained damage to the rib cage.

Jarod told www.mobserver.co.za that he didn’t want to die, he wants to live.

He’s been in and out of rehab seven times but each time he ends up back on the streets because he has no home to go to and no one who can support him on his road to recovery.

He said it was impossible to kick the heroin habit without dedicated after care and support while living on the streets.
Jarod’s only family is his grandmother who lives in an old age home in KZN.

A while ago Jarod came to the Middelburg Observer offices with a request to phone his granny.

They spoke at length with her agreeing to wire him some cash before he disappeared again until a fortnight ago when residents believed him to be dying in front of their eyes.

Jarod knows very well that his heroin addiction will claim his life sooner or later.

Enter Zebulun and an offer to help Jarod change his life and drop his vices.
The centre offered to treat Jarod for free.

Zebulun focuses on post rehabilitation treatment, offering a number of certified courses, adult matric and skills development programmes.
He will have this safety net for a full year to ensure that he does not revert back to his old patterns.

Www.mobserver.co.za tried to trace Jarod this week, but he could not be found.

• Residents who see Jarod are urged to request him to visit the Middelburg Observer offices in Meyer Street so that he can be assisted.