Many people have either experienced, or seen the horrible effects of drugs first hand. Unfortunately, it is becoming easier and easier to attain a variety of narcotics; with a subtle wave or nod of the head in certain areas you can get almost any drug you can think of.
Ward 85 councillor, Sonja Meyer, has been made aware of drug activities in her ward, and has therefore teamed up with an anti-drug activist, Bradley Peters to start a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs. Sonja explained that this campaign would also be conducted in conjunction with the Roodepoort Police to increase its impact in her ward specifically.
Sonja explained that when Bradley, who is also a resident of her ward, came to her with footage of drug deals happening in her ward, she decided enough was enough and something needed to be done.
As the first step of this anti-drug campaign, Sonja will be hosting a series of meetings and workshops for members of the Roodepoort community, which will be attended by the relevant stakeholders (including the police and rehabilitation centres).
Sonja stressed her deep concern about the increase in drug trafficking not only in her ward, but throughout the Roodepoort community. “We need parents to help us take our neighbourhood back and report any suspicious dealings to the police,” Sonja explained.
While the Record is still waiting for comment from the police that can be published without hampering any investigations, the Roodepoort Police spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke, has said that working with the police and reporting any suspicious activity are essential. She urged residents not to give in to the temptation of using drugs, and to avoid situations where they will be exposed to narcotics and dealers.
Yorke confirmed that this week, 21 drug-related arrests had been made by Friday, 23 October. Residents can report issues to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by submitting tip-offs through the My SAPS app.
