Drug den find in Gezina sign of a growing problem
Ward councillor Joubert says she saw children buying drugs from a dealer.
Residents cleaning up an area in Gezina on Saturday afternoon have reportedly found a drug den in a local informal settlement.
AfriForum’s Moot branch in partnership with TMPD, CoT Waste and ward councillor Mari Joubert were cleaning 22nd and 23rd avenues, the spruit, as well as Terblanche Street and Frates Road in Gezina when they made the discovery.
A member of the group they found the den and informal settlement at the train station on the corner of Johan Heyns and Nico Smit streets by the bridge.
One suspect was arrested on the scene for dealing drugs.
A case has been opened at the Moot police station and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
The group also uncovered many illegal electricity connections.
Photo: Supplied
Councillor Joubert said the findings were very worrying and reflected a deeper problem in the area.
“We will engage with various departments at Tshwane metro and home affairs to assist with the moving of the structures.
“The illegal electricity connection was reported to the relevant department and we will follow up to ensure the illegal connection is removed.”
Joubert said she saw children buying drugs which she found deeply troubling.
“The drug den is a symptom of a growing drug problem in the Moot among young children.
“We are seeing more and more children with drug abuse issues,” said Joubert.
“It is so easy for them to get hold of these drugs and sometimes the parents aren’t even aware of it at all.”
Photo: Supplied
The presence of children and foreign nationals in the settlement makes it a much more complicated task to relocate them, according to Joubert.
“I have contacted human settlements and social development to investigate what is going on and how we can move forward.
“We must find help for these children and find out where the drugs are coming from before we can do anything else.”
Joubert wants to address the drug problem first and foremost. She warned parents to look out for some of the warning signs that their children are using drugs.
“Parents need to be more proactive in their children’s lives.
“They need to look out for signs like children coming home late or disappearing from home for hours.”
ALSO READ: Local group wants to clean up the Moot
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