DRUG-RELATED matters enrolled at the Richards Bay District Court for January and February paint a bleak picture of the ever escalating drug trafficking and substance abuse cases clogging up the court rolls.
Although these accused have not yet been convicted, they are detained on prima facie cases, which means the State believes, on the evidence at hand, the prosecution can secure convictions.
A case of child abandonment currently before court is also said to be linked to substance abuse, although the trial has not yet commenced.
A Richards Bay parent with an underage drug-addicted son, now in the process of rehabilitation, says while dealers are stepping up their game all the time, local expertise and structures to deal with addictions are seriously lacking.
‘I think people try to help, but they just don’t know how to tackle the problem.
‘We finally found assistance in Benoni from an organisation called Mighty Wings Life Centre, where I attended seminars.
‘They follow a holistic approach and believe all people are capable of recovery, but early intervention is vital.
‘They assist with counselling, committal orders and education for the whole family.
‘We need similar institutions locally.
‘My son has completed the programme, but every new day comes with new challenges.’
Drug trafficking is closely tied to prostitution, human trafficking, housebreakings, robberies, family violence, theft and a host of other social ills.
An undercover agent with knowledge of the local underground scenario, says it pays foreigners to earn from drugs rather than find employment, especially because many are in the country illegally.
‘The syndicates are flexible and innovative. Parents should take responsibility for their children, where they go and who they hang out with.
‘The police cannot fight this battle alone.’
Appearing in court for possession of dangerous and dependence producing substances are:
Benjamin Ferrera (28), Mpumelelo Giladile (28), Alex Mpoto (30), Zakhele Mpoto (31), Morgan Powel (18), Kay Mkoto (36), Alex Sithole (37), Sokomo Mbhele (22), John Kinstey Echezona Madwekhwe (31), Mamojela Mofoleng (31), Iyke Nzekwe (30), Samula Giludili (27), Samula Nanso Agbula (34), Mpumelelo Giludile (27), Kingsley Ezelhukwa Owagu (34), Hillary Chinedu Agbaso (27), Bheki Themba (23), Sifundu Khumalo (29), Sheldon Cramer (47).
