Residents unite against drugs

Drug dealers – and users – are invading public spaces throughout Witpoortjie.

This is according to Dr Freddie Myeza, better known as Pastor Freddie from His Divine Love Global Ministries and Academy, who, in addition to being a respected local clergyman is also a concerned resident.

“During my extensive work within the community of Witpoortjie, I have noticed that time and again, the problems in this area stem from drug and alcohol abuse,” says Myeza, who led a community march and prayer session in various hotspots on Saturday, October 19.

“As we delved into this problem, it became clear that public parks and open spaces throughout Witpoortjie have been invaded by drug dealers and users, and people who abuse alcohol.”

The procession began at the Vredenhoek Street Park right across the road from Princess Primary School, where, the pastor says that children, for whom the park is meant, cannot make use of the space anymore since it has been taken over by drug dealers and users.

The small group of residents, church members, patrollers, and private security officers descended on the park, and as predicted by the pastor, found a group of men lounging on a bench with a growing heap of beer bottles strewn around them.

“This is a park in the middle of a residential community and right across the road from a primary school, and these things are going on here in broad daylight. As a community, we cannot allow this to carry on.

“We cannot allow our children to be exposed to this evil.”

Myeza read a passage from the Bible and said a heartfelt prayer. He urged community members to band together against drug and alcohol abuse, inviting those that require help either for themselves or a family member, to come forward.

“We are adamant that we will not allow the devil of drugs and alcohol into our neighbourhood. We will engage with communities, local schools, law enforcement, and community structures to collaborate and drive this element out of our area.”