Local community joins in the fight against drugs
Community joins together in the fight against the drug problem they are faced with
BARBERTON – The local community is joining the fight aganst the drug problem and requests the assistance of the government and police.
This came to light on September 14, when they called on Mr Vusi Shongwe, MEC for community safety, security and liaison, to enable law enforcement to fight drug abuse more effectively in the area.
This call was made during a public participation imbizo in Barberton at which the department, SAPS and other government departments met the people of Ehlanzeni region to discuss issues of crime that affected them.
The Barberton community, among others, viced concern during that drug abuse by the youth had increased uncontrollably.
They have complained that foreign nationals are illegally occupying buildings which are used as drug markets and asked Shongwe to bring in the tactical response team (Amabherethe) to clean up Barberton and the schools.
They have called on the MEC to arrest learners who are found loitering during school hours as they may be exposed to drugs.
They have also complained about the increasing rate of rape and other common crimes in the area.
In addition, they have requested the Department of Human Settlements to monitor unoccupied RDP houses as they are being used by criminals.
Responding to their issues, Shongwe said that communities must not relegate the responsibility of fighting crime to the police, but work with the authorities to eliminate crime.
“These perpetrators are known in our communities, therefore the people must play a role by informing police and not protect them. Women must also not allow poverty to keep them in abusive environments which usually lead to their children being sexually abused,” said Shongwe.
He added that it was the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children were not involved in crime and drugs. He said that the only way crime could be eliminated was for people to stop buying stolen goods.
Shongwe concluded that the department and the police would soon go and clean Barberton up and deal with all liquor outlets that did not comply with their licence conditions.
Meanwhile, community policing forum, provincial general secretary Ms Linah Mazibuko called on community members to join policing structures and assist police to fight crime.
She said that the foundation for fighting crime was with the community members who knew the criminals.
