NGODINI – The residents have voiced their concerns about substance abusers who cause havoc in the community.
According to members of the community, the gangsters notoriously known as the “Nyaope boys” allegedly rob people of their belongings when they return from their workplaces at night.
They also break into their houses and are threatening their lives.
This was heard during one of the daily meetings held over the past three weeks where residents, together with the community policing forum gathered in various venues to come up with solutions to fight crime in the area.
One of the these was to patrol the streets of Ngodini and Maporo at night, along with the police, to put an end to the criminal behaviour.
Speaking to Mpumalanga News, one of the residents said the suspects even stole light bulbs, televisions and antiretroviral treatments, which they used in making the drug.
“This is disturbing and it makes one wonder what this drug is doing to their minds,” he said.
Since these meetings and patrols have started, the gangsters have been keeping a low profile. People said they were feeling much safer. “The community watch will continue for as long as people feel the need to protect themselves.”
A woman also added how sad they were about the state the youth. “I am helpless, I feel like we should be doing something to get them to rehabilitation centres because at the end of the day, they are still children.”
Another resident stated that the some addicts who wished to quit had approached the Department of Social Development for help but it had been delaying the process.
Mpumalanga News contacted the department numerous times, but to no avail.
