SAPS not taking drug problem in eMalahleni seriously
WITBANK NEWS sent an official enquiry to the local SAPS spokesperson for an explanation for the complete lack of response to the identified drug hotspots.
It is no longer a secret where these alleged drug deals are taking place; they happen in broad daylight, often in front of tuckshops where ‘runners’ operate with ease.
WITBANK NEWS is in possession of WhatsApp messages sent to SAPS over a span of three years asking to tend to the drug problem in Blancheville.
To date, there has been little reaction from SAPS.
2 Kwa-Guqa residents need your help to leave drugs and change their liveshttps://t.co/yZmomBJwK2 #WitbankNews #emalahleni #drugabuse
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) August 14, 2025
During a neighbourhood watch meeting last year, SAPS were put on the spot when the community of Blancheville wanted to know what was happening to the drug problem and why SAPS was taking no action.
SAPS pointed the finger at the judicial system and said that they arrest alleged drug dealers today, only for them to be back on the streets tomorrow.
The National Prosecuting Agency fired right back and said the state cannot enroll cases without prima facie evidence, and police dockets are frequently arriving incomplete.
The municipality also has a part to play in this
During a recent Integrated Development Plan outreach, the municipality stated that it continues to conduct inspections to ensure that anyone operating illegally is brought into compliance with legislation and bylaws.
So far, 56 tuck shops have been shut down due to non-compliance.
It is at a tuck shop in Blancheville where the three-year complaint stems from.
Ward 20 councillor Maureen Scheepers said she had repeatedly raised concerns regarding the tuck shop in Blancheville with the mayor, the municipal manager, and the Spatial Planning Department.
Bikers from across the country recently took over the roads with a motorcade to say no to drugs
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 20, 2026
Read more here: https://t.co/YRzm2JEyhY#WitbankNews #emalahleni #Waragainstdrugabuse pic.twitter.com/IYv6Hntq77
“This property is not zoned for the type of business activities currently taking place there, and for years, residents raised serious concerns about criminal activity, alleged drug dealing, alcohol abuse, public disturbances, and lawlessness linked to the site,” she said.
She added that despite follow-ups and assurances from compliance officials that final notices would be issued and the matter escalated for legal action, residents are still waiting for decisive action.
Read the full story in this week’s edition of WITBANK NEWS.
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