Drug related crimes in Eersterust a concern
Drug abuse is a problem in Eersterust and recently it has also contributed to the spike in the number of domestic violence reported.
More than 27 suspects were arrested on drug-related crimes in 10 days, according to Eersterust police.
“Drug abuse is a problem in the area and it has also contributed to the spike in the number of domestic violence cases reported,” said Eersterust police spokesperson Sergeant Sam Shibambo.
“Elderly people are being victimised the most because they are unable to defend themselves. Most of these drug dealers would also resort to bullying their own family to obtain money for drugs,” said Shibambo.
He said the recent arrest also provided affected families with a sense of relief after having to “endure violent episodes from their loved ones who are addicted to drugs”.
Raylene Jacobs, a member of a community-orientated substance abuse programme in Eersterust, said drugs were a big concern in their community.
“The government and the police need to close down these operations and arrest drug dealers because they are ruining young lives and breaking families apart,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs said “unemployment and boredom” also played a big role in the levels of crime and gender-based violence.
“As a social worker, there is only so much therapy you can do and it breaks my heart that there is nothing more I can do to help. Our young girls are hooked on drugs and they are at a point in their lives that they accept the abuse because the abuser provides the drugs,” she said.
Jacobs said although most of the cases of GBV were related to drug abuse not all of the cases reported were. She said the community needed to work together to find the source of the problem instead of judging people who abused substances and pointing fingers.
Eersterust police said they will be intensifying efforts to curb both drug abuse and gender-based violence crimes in the area.
They have also encouraged residents to report all drug dealing activities to the police on 012 806 1020, crime stop on 08600 10111, SMS crime line on 32211 or download the My Saps App. The app is available on IOS and Android devices.
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