Drug dealer raided
When police raided a house in Middel Street in Ladanna on Thursday, residents stood in the street and cheered them on; tired of the reign of terror of the house's occupants who they say are known drug dealers.
POLOKWANE – When police raided a house in Middel Street in Ladanna on Thursday, residents stood in the street and cheered them on; tired of the reign of terror of the house’s occupants who they say are known drug dealers.
Police officials told Review that they followed up on some leads and had the house under surveillance for some time before they raided the house, arresting two Nigerian nationals and confiscating a large stash of drugs.
Review covered the raid where police confiscated heroin as well as ecstasy tablets to an estimated street value of R50 000. They also confiscated several cell phones and R5 000 cash.
One of the residents, who was very relieved that the police targeted the house in question, said the neighbours and other residents have reported the occupants to the police numerous times and it was great to see the police taking action.
“Action speaks louder than words. When the police’s actions speak this loudly, we can believe that they will be there for us in our moments of need,” he said.
The resident said when drug dealers occupied a house, it gave the whole neighbourhood a bad name. “People call our neighbourhood a drug infested area because of these dealers.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Col. Ronél Otto, said the SAPS was there to protect and serve. She said police were determined to make a difference and to show criminals that they would end up behind bars.
“In many cases, it is through the assistance of the public that criminals are brought to justice. This is where the police and the public need to take hands in the fight against crime,” she said.
Otto said residents who had information about criminal activities should report it to the police immediately. “The Crime Stop SMS number is 32211. SMS your tip to this number and we will follow up. Information will be handled as sensitive and informers stay anonymous,” she said.
Residents with information about criminal activities can also visit the Crime Stop website at www.crimestop.co.za or by contacting their nearest police station.
The two Nigerian nationals appeared in the Polokwane magistrate’s court on charges of drug dealing and possession of drugs and stolen items on Friday. The case was postponed to later this month.
