A project to help drug addicts in KwaDukuza has collapsed because of lack of funding and increasing pressure from drug dealers coercing addicts to quit the programme.

In December 2020 The North Coast Courier exposed the disturbing severity of the problem in the region.

KwaDukuza Saps officers took the initiative of setting up a programme to help the addicts become clean, get off the streets and hopefully reunite with their families.

About 50 addicts were initially interested and became involved, but the number steadily dropped once their dealers got wind of the initiative.

“Some told us they were threatened by the dealers and were too frightened to attend. It was really painful because some were serious about getting help. They are living very desperate lives,” said one of the officers.

Shortly after the article was published, two of the prostitutes and addicts who spoke to The Courier were threatened, despite not being named.

The police officers partnered with Umthombo Street Children, a non-profit organisation helping youth get off the streets, and found a farmer in Doringkop willing to provide a house to be used as a safe rehabilitation facility.

“Initially, when we started, we had a few stakeholders on board to help with the funding of running costs such as food and electricity, but this eventually dwindled and we are not able to carry the costs on our own. We had no option but to throw in the towel,” the disheartened policeman said.

“Obviously if we can obtain guaranteed and consistent funding we can restart the programme, because we believe it will make a huge difference in terms of assisting drug addicts in KwaDukuza.”

If you want to assist the officers, contact Sboniso Dlamini at the Courier at 032-9460276.

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