They started with a short meeting at the park and then went door-to-door around Kwanele Section delivering pamphlets warning people about the dangers of doing drugs.
During the door-to-door campaign, the community members were invited to gather at the park whereby they were addressed about the topic of the day – drug abuse.
Const Precious Zikalala, the campaign leader, gave reasons for choosing Kwanele Park to conduct the campaign.
“We have received a lot of criminal cases from Kwanele Section where drug abuse was the cause of the crimes. Parents from this community are complaining about their children’s involvement in drugs. So we have decided to come here at the park because it is where they are gathering and spend time while the schools are closed,” said Zikalala.
She said the pamphlets were about the dangers of abusing drugs.
“More information about how to get help if you found yourself trapped in drugs are on the pamphlet. Parents are also warned about the signs that can identify whether their children are involved in drugs or not and how to get help for them,” said Zikalala.
After gathering at the park, parents and children were given an opportunity to ask any drug-related questions and a response was provided by professionals present on the day.
Communications officer at Katlehong SAPS Capt Mega Ndobe, who was also present on the day, said they also want to use the campaign to promote a neighbourhood watch.
“Burglary is high in this area and it is as a result of drugs abuse. So we want to talk to the community and provide solutions for them, which is a neighbourhood watch. People can minimise the rate of burglary by building a good relationship with each other and report to each other if they notice something is happening at a neighbour’s house,” said Ndobe.
In conclusion, Ndobe discouraged people from buying stolen goods.
“There is no excuse for buying stolen goods. If you buy stolen goods you are equally as criminal as the one who is selling.”
