EMPD commended for drug bust

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) was commended by the Malvern United Community Forum (MUCF) for arresting a man believed to be a drug dealer on June 26.

EMPD’s Germiston Crime Prevention Unit followed up information which led to the arrest of a 34-year-old man in Fawcus Street.

About R10 000 worth of dagga and prescription medication, Pethidene, were seized.

Spokesperson for the EMPD, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, said it was believed that the man was a supplier of the drugs to other dealers.

Pethidine is a scheduled pain-killer used by cancer patients.

Addicts of this drug inject themselves to obtain a high.

Mr Mike Spadino, chairperson of the MUCF who pleaded with authorities to arrest drug dealers in Malvern on several occasions, commended EMPD and the person who informed them about the drug dealer.

“This is excellent news. The officers responded quickly and made an arrest. This type of work must continue,” he said.

Last month Mr Spadino told the EXPRESS that although the sale of drugs was rife in Malvern and authorities were aware, it was being ignored.

He called on police officers and other authorities to crack down on drug dealers in the suburb, the way they have in Eldorado Park.

He urged authorities outside of the Cleveland SAPS precinct to intervene because local police officers were easily identifiable by drug dealers.

His comments prompted an Eldorado Park resident, Mr Vincent Rosenberg, to speak out about the need for community involvement.

He explained how community involvement resulted in President Jacob Zuma visiting the suburb to listen to the plight of parents whose children were addicted to drugs.

Mr Rosenberg said community leaders and anti-drug campaigners must interact with each other.

Mr Spadino agreed with Mr Rosenberg’s views.

He said the community has to take a stance and not be complacent. “The arrest by EMPD was a result of community involvement. This is proof that if the community stands together, reports crime and fights against drugs, we will succeed. If everyone who has information reports drug dealers in the suburb, the authorities will take us seriously.

“I call on community members to join in the fight and not sit back. If there is more pressure from the community, more will be done. The more voices the police hears, the more action will be taken,” said Mr Spadino.