A crowd of Operation Dudula members, queue marshals, taxi drivers and taxi owners waged a war on drugs in the Springs Central Business District (CBD) this week with police having to intervene when things got too tense. Foreign nationals fear the operation could easily turn into xenophobic attacks.

The group’s mission started on Tuesday when they undertook to deal with nyaope addicts. On Thursday several houses and establishments believed to be drug houses or belonging to drug dealers were raided.

The group claim they found dagga and nyaope at a house on 8^th Street. They also claim substances believed to be drugs were found in a building on 4^th Street.

Police had to intervene when tensions started boiling over.  An individual, believed to be part of the crowd, was arrested on suspicion of theft.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala says investigations are underway.

“We urge people not to take matters into their own hands. The SAPS condemns any acts of violence and possession of drugs,” he says.

He also cautioned residents against spreading false information.

“Anyone found to be falsifying information will be charged accordingly,” Tshabalala warns.

A foreign national, who is a resident of Springs CBD, lamented the events taking place.

“I am scared these attacks could turn xenophobic. I fear for my life and that of my family,” she says.