Germiston Flying Squad and Eden Park SAPS kickstarted a drug-awareness campaign, with the support of the Pretoria head office, in Palm Ridge on May 24.
The police officials visited the Palm Ridge Shopping Complex to engage and distribute pamphlets about drug abuse.
Sgt Mitta Badi of Eden Park SAPS said the purpose of the campaign was to address the current challenge of drug addiction among the youth.
She said they were targeting Palm Ridge Shopping Centre because they have realised the area has challenges with drugs.
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“We were targeting the youth because they are most likely to use drugs. We understand we cannot help everyone, but the minimum number of people we help can come back to inspire others in the community,” said Badi.
She said the campaign was productive as most people were engaging and asking questions.
“Some of them are considering rehabilitation. They were asking how they could contact us because they couldn’t afford to pay for rehab. We shared details with them and suggested a few non-paying rehabilitation centres, including Sanca,” she said.
Inus Tshisani, who runs a business at the shopping complex, applauded the police for their work.
He said his community in Palm Ridge Extension Four also struggles with drugs.
“I think drugs are killing a lot of people, especially the youth, and I think they are not supported. The police are doing a great job and they should continue until drugs are out of our communities,” said Tshisani.