Residents call SAPS into action
Concerned Residents Forum led residents in a march against the abuse of drugs, alcohol, women and children, on Tuesday morning.
Duduza – The forum, made up of concerned residents, aims to confront the social ills fuelled by substance abuse in Duduza.
Young and old, they marched from the Engen Garage in Bluegum to Duduza Police Station.
Sonnyboy Lithako, community leader and chairperson, says the effects of drug abuse, especially nyoape, is causing irreparable damage in the community.
“We have marched to the police station to hand over a memorandum because we know the police can do more to alleviate these issues.
“We demand consistent police visibility.”
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Part of the petition stated that the SAPS should tighten their grip on alcohol outlets that are operating illegally.
“We are concerned about the regular burglaries in our schools.
“We want to be safe in our community,” he adds.
In the memorandum, the residents also demand witness protection programmes for people who feel victimised by drug dealers.
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“We demand an end to corruption within the SAPS.
“You cannot accept brides from the very people who are helping to destroy our community.”
Pastor Andile Madiba, founder of Nxusa Community Project, said a word of prayer.
He asked for divine intervention and solutions to the community’s problems.
Zanele Mofokeng participated in the march but says she has very little confidence in the system.
“In 2015 we handed a similar memorandum to this very police station and very little has been done since.
“I would like to believe that this time things will be different, but I am sceptical.”
Mofokeng says she has four brothers who are addicted to nyoape.
“We know that you know the people who are causing this trouble in our neighbourhood.
“We know that many officers are helping to keep nyaope on our streets.”
The memorandum was received on behalf of the Duduza SAPS station commander by Captain Mofokeng who noted the concerns and promised to have a serious engagement on them and respond to the forum.
The forum gave the station’s management three months to come up with a resolution for their grievances.
Ward 111 councillor Tshepiso Mondlane expressed relief that the community is slowly coming together for a common cause.
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