The sordid side of Newcastle’s streets; a proposed vision of a drug-free society in shambles.
Earlier this month, the Democratic Alliance called for urgent intervention from SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Mmamonnye Ngoebeni and KwaZulu-Natal Community Safety MEC, Willies Mchunu after its portfolio committee revealed Newcastle was ‘ravaged by drugs’.
The committee visited Newcastle Police Station on March 3, after receiving several complaints from concerned residents.
“During the station visit, it emerged that there is an ongoing investigation into an officer alleged to have been involved in drugs,” said the DAs provincial spokesperson on community safety, Doctor Rishigen Viranna.
During a subsequent meeting with communities in Newcastle’s western suburbs, the party revealed more allegations had surfaced, claiming police were fueling the ‘habit’.
Lilian Gajoo of the local branch of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, said the accusations regarding the police were true.
“I can vouch for that. The drug problem in Newcastle is very severe,” she explained.
Mrs Gajoo said Methcathinone, more commonly referred to as cat, is the most regularly abused drug locally.
“You can’t smell it and it just keeps you high. Cat is so terribly addictive, and once you’re on it you can’t eat or sleep.”
With a proverbial front row seat as communities unravel, Mrs Gajoo said it was distressing to see how readily available cat was.
“It’s available on every corner, and almost every second house,” she added.
To make matters worse, the community alleged police officials were passing on ‘community crime intelligence’ to local drug lords.
Of greater concern were claims of increased infiltration of drugs into local schools; a shocking revelation to say the least.
Mrs Gajoo did not refute the allegation, and said there were no words to describe how dreadful the situation really was.
“Police meanwhile claim to be aware of the drug issue and say that they have formulated an action plan,” said Dr Viranna. “Unfortunately, this is of little use if their efforts are being undermined from within their own ranks.”
According to the DA, community members apparently said the police’s so-called ‘plan’ is yet to be implemented.
“The visit revealed the worst affected areas are Lennoxton, Suryaville and [the] CBD areas. Drug problems are also being experienced at the town’s taxi rank, informal settlements and township areas.”
Reports suggest increased drug use was primarily exacerbated by unemployment and a lack of recreational facilities.
“The DA will write to MEC Mchunu and General Ngobeni to request urgent intervention in Newcastle. We will also write to the Head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in KZN calling for an investigation into these serious allegations,” concluded Dr Viranna.
The Newcastle Advertiser contacted the SAPS on March 8, requesting a formal response to the DAs allegations. However, no official response was forthcoming at the time of publication.
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