Akasia has 100 new drug and substance abuse marshals

The Tshwane health department has given 100 drug and substance abuse marshals in the Akasia area, north of Pretoria, first-aid and security awareness training.

The training was first rolled out in December 2022 when the first group of 25 marshals from sectors 1, 2 and 3 of Region 1 were trained.

The remaining group of 75 volunteers got their training on January 21.

Health MMC Rina Marx said that drug and substance abuse marshals play an important role in the community through regular patrols in drug-afflicted hotspot areas.

“They consist of community members who volunteer their services to counter high crime rates in the Akasia suburb.

“This training is critical and covers services including basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), situational awareness, crime scene management, self-defence and firefighting.”

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Marx added that they were also trained on the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

“I was once again supported by members of the City of Tshwane’s community safety cluster and volunteers who offered their time, knowledge and skills.

“We were also joined by members of the City of Tshwane’s health department’s HIV/AIDS unit.

“None of this would have been possible without continued support from the private sector, ” she stressed.

She thanked Dave Miles and his team at PPC Limited for donating torches, reflector jackets, pepper spray and first aid kits.

“Having acquired new skills, the marshals can now do their jobs and be better equipped to support law enforcement and private security companies by maintaining visibility.”

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