Heads together against crime and drugs

The overwhelming challenge of drug abuse and the related crime and prostitution is to find a new opponent in the Ilembe community safety and drug and substance abuse forum.

Drug abuse is a serious problem within the district, particularly in schools. It is also considered the main cause behind the increase of prostitution and crime in KwaDukuza.

Launched last Friday by Ilembe mayor Sduduzo Gumede, the forum aims to bring together all the relevant role players within government and SAPS to strategize together and reduce unnecessary duplication.

Assistant director for crime prevention at the community safety and liaison department in the region, Sam Zwane said this will also mean a more effective use of resources.

“If the SAPS put up a tent at Shakaville or Tshawini for crime awareness and a few days later, social development goes there for the same thing, that would be a waste of money and resources. Let them rather work together and be more effective. This forum will be a platform for all government intuitions to brainstorm and come up with plans to fight the challenges facing the community,” said Zwane.

KwaDukuza SAPS spokesperson warrant officer Johannes Khoza stressed that it was critically important to shut down the supply of drugs to our communities.

“Most people committing crimes are found to be under the influence of drugs, making them more dangerous and violent.

“People are also not reporting drug dealers. I believe if the forum can mainly focus on creating awareness and persuading people to report drug dealers we will see improvements,” said Khoza.
He also emphasised that anyone who wants to leave drugs and prostitution should not be afraid to ask for help.

“Even the young girls who are prostitutes must not be afraid to speak out if they need help to quite drugs and prostitution.”

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