SECUNDA – A bus stop in Helen Joseph Drive has become one of the biggest drug spots and a local drive-through for drug users.
Business owners raised their concerns regarding the drug activity that is taking place at this location.
Drug dealers are clearly visible and can be seen waiting for their customers.
A local businessman said that the dealers have become so brave, that they do their wheeling and dealing in parking areas and do not “have a care in the world about their illegal drug activities”.
According to him there has been a huge increase in the dealings for a couple of months.
Requests have been made to the municipality to demolish the toilet facilities, but it was said there are no funds to do so.
He said he has made contact with the police and reported the problem numerous times.
“The police are doing nothing about this drug problem when we report it.
“The only policing that is taking place, is the sector police who patrol the area.
“We do not know who to trust with this matter when it comes to the police, because we need more police visibility in this area.”
What concerns the business owner is that clients are bringing their families with when they make drug purchases.
“You see a husband and wife with children in the vehicle and one parent who gets out while the other one waits in the vehicle with the children.
“It is sad that the children get exposed to such criminal activities,” said the businessman.
Drug users were described as multi racial, smart and wealthy businessmen and employees of companies who are seen with the companies’ vehicles, even personnel from security companies.
The Ridge Times asked for a comment from Mr Henry Masango, head of Communications and Marketing of the Govan Mbeki Muicipality, as well as W/O Thulani Gamede, communications person for the local police, regarding the problem.
Mr Masango said: “The misery these drugs are causing in our communities is devastating to say the least.
“We will do everything possible to thwart these illegal activities which are bent to destroy our youth.”
At the time of going to press, W/O Gamede said the matter was taken up with Lt Bettina Zondo, communications person for the police.
“She will take it up at the station crime meeting this Wednesday where it will be discussed further and they can hopefully find a solution to the problem,” said W/O Gamede.
