Many of the victims are from provinces across South Africa.
One of the addicts, Promise Hamule (27) from Soweto, said the drug stole his happiness, dreams and broke the trust his family had in him.
“I started taking nyaope in 2006 at the Tshwane University of Technology in Soshanguve. By then I was studying Public Management. I was influence by my friends. I became addicted and lost focus of my studies. Alcohol also helped destroying my future. But when I was high, I never wanted to drink or be with a girlfriend,” said Promise.
Promise, who has now begun his long road to recovery, said he began robbing people to get money to fund his drug habit.
“I would steal cellular phones and sell them cheaply for some quick cash to buy more nyaope. I am not proud of the things I did and will do my best to regain the trust I lost from my family, neighbours and friends. I just want to see myself going back to college and doing the right thing. I believe it is never too late to become what you wanted to be,” he said.
Before joining Operation Thiba Nyaope, Promise was at a South African National Council on Alcoholism (SANCA) rehabilitation centre.
He said he failed to ick the habit because of the detox medication they administered to him.
“When taking the detox medication, I kept craving for the drug. I then left as I did not see any progress in my rehabilitation. Operation Thiba Nyaope is different. I am only given painkillers to deal with the stomach cramps that come from withdrawal. I already see myself going somewhere through their support and lessons. More specifically, I do not see any life in nyaope. I urge young people to stop taking drugs and alcohol as these will destroy their lives permanently,” he said.
