A keen eye and determination to eradicate crime in his suburb, has led Ettiene Blom in making an interesting find.
He discovered a dagga plantation in the veld, carefully hidden among overgrown grass and reeds, behind the practice grounds of a driving school on Saturday, May 10.
“I noticed a pathway and decided to investigate where it lead to.”
When the path lead him to a section of overgrown reeds, Ettiene admitted to being a bit scared, as he was uncertain what might be waiting.
However, his curiosity got the better of him, and he discovered the dagga plantation.
Ettiene noticed the reeds and dagga plants were closely planted together. Whoever had planted the marijuana, had taken great time and effort to clear the site.
“Some of the dagga plants had been broken for the leaves to dry out,” he said.
Concerned about how the dagga could affect his neighbourhood, the 18-year-old decided steps needed to be taken.
“I think the police need to pull all the plants out. I wouldn’t like them to burn it because of the nearby houses, and you know what happens when you burn dagga and breathe in the smoke.”
However, police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Simon Luthuli, said that burning the marijuana where it stood might be the easiest solution as removing the plantation physically might prove problematic.
“We will have to liaise with the fire department but I do not see another solution,” said W/O Luthuli.
Pleased with Ettiene coming forward with the information, W/Luthuli said the community did not need plantations such as this, especially in residential areas.
Investigating the scene with Fire Officer, Multitude Booi, W/O Luthuli said a plan of action would be put into place.
“We need to look at all necessary factors when we destroy the plantation,” said Fire Officer Booi.
The factors included how a fire could affect nearby homes, the field as a whole and getting equipment to the site.
“We will be destroying it soon,” concluded W/O Luthuli.
