Desperate addicts seeks help

They have found refugee close to an informal dumping site, where they share space with rats and other creatures.

March 26, 2021

Sharon Mdaka 2 minutes read

NPO Letha Ithemba Elisha aims to assist the addicts and others within the community of Langaville. Seen from the organisation are cook Ziyanda Mango, Langaville branch manager Dipuo Sebothe and founder Lucky Kgomo.

Langaville – Sixteen nyaope addicts have been subjected to horrifying living conditions after they were forced to leave their homes due to their addiction.
The group has for over two years been living in an open veld 2km from the community of Extension Three.

They have dug holes in which to sleep and shelter themselves from the cold.

They have found refuge close to an informal dumping site, where they share space with rats and other creatures.
Walking to their make-shift homes is something out of a horror movie.
They have excavated holes in which to sleep. The holes offer protection from chilly weather conditions.
They keep themselves warm with blankets and plastic sheets.

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The group is looking for help to beat their addiction, preferably rehab.
Nyaope addict Amogelang Mdlankomo (29) started living in the area after some of his fellow addicts invited him to stay with them for safety.
“I came to live here after realising I could no longer control my urges for nyaope. The cravings are so bad that you end up using the last money you have for a fix.
“Being unemployed, I didn’t want to end up stealing or doing mischievous things, so I ended up leaving home to hustle on the streets,” he explained.

The living conditions of nyaope addicts in Langaville.

NPO Letha Ithemba Elisha has extended their services to assist these addicts and others within the community.
The NPO’s new branch is an extension of its footprint within Kwatsaduza.
“These conditions are shocking. No human being deserves to live like this. Should something happen to one of them it would be difficult to access them in time.
“This is proof of what this street drug has done to our community at large, which is why it is important for us as the community to come together and fight against substance abuse of any kind,” said NPO founder Lucky Kgomo.

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The NPO has collaborated with the Department of Social Development for an awareness campaign to take place on Friday from 10am in Emqashi, Duduza.
They are pleading with the community to assist with donations, food, toiletries and clothes.
“There’s commitment from these addicts to change, which is why we are pleading with the community to not give up on them yet,” explained Langaville branch manager Dipuo Sebothe.
The NPO cooks and provides meals for the addicts every Wednesday and Friday from 1pm at 1450 Mokoena Street in Langaville.Churches are urged to consider providing shelter for the addicts. To contribute or enquire contact Kgomo or Sebothe on 068 275 6993 or 076 810 5149.