Police take anti-drug message to church
Attendees were cautioned that while dagga use is privately permitted, public consumption and dealers will face the might of the law.
The Pretoria Central Police Station recently participated in an anti-drug awareness initiative at the Pretoria City Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church for several people who use drugs.
The church, located on the corner of WF Nkomo and Kgosi Mampuru streets, held the initiative in conjunction with the Department of Social Development and SAPS, under the theme ‘Hope Beyond Addiction’.
Station spokesperson Sergeant Thabang Nkumise said the session addressed several social ills surrounding drug consumption, including abuse, trading, its effects, and the state of the SAPS in fighting crimes in the area.
Joined by two other social crime prevention officers, Sergeant Madi and Constable Motau, the trio educated the congregants about the repercussions of selling drugs, sentencing and educated them about the process of removing a criminal record.
According to Nkhumise, a record could last up to 10 years.
“They were also enlightened on the expungement process. [It is] to connect with those who require assistance with appropriate rehabilitation and support services, and also to encourage a healthy, drug-free lifestyle,” Nkhumise said.
The congregation could engage with the police officers and ask questions. They also raised issues including corrupt police officers, the fear of being victimised for whistleblowing, and other related issues.
Several attendees were equipped with all the necessary details to communicate with the police and other stakeholders to address and eradicate drug use.
They were also urged to report anonymously and become informers for the SAPS, as Nkhumise insisted that fighting crime is a joint effort.
“With all the issues that are happening within the country, the congregants were urged always to involve the police and not to take the law into their own hands,” Nkhumise said.
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