Randburg community accuses police of colluding with drug dealers

Drug abuse, overcrowding and ignoring bylaws are commonplace in Windsor East, and residents are increasingly concerned that Linden police may be part of the problem, Randburg Sun reports.

Allegations have surfaced at various community meetings that police may be working with the drug dealers. These conversations have become commonplace among residents.

READ MORE: Two police commanders moved from Krugersdorp police stations, says Mbalula

Drug abuse in the area is still a major concern. Community members complained that this issue, which has been plaguing them for years, is not being dealt with. Public meetings are often taken over by concerns about drug use and overcrowding.

Ward 98 councillor, Beverley Weweje said she felt there was no buy-in from Linden police or from the department of home affairs to deal with the issue. She also said metro police raids are often preempted and the streets cleared of any illegal activity before they arrive.

“But no one is afraid of Linden police. When the police come, [the drug dealers] don’t worry, but if anyone else comes they scatter.”

Linden Police Station commander, Colonel Ahmed Musthan.

Linden Police Station commander Colonel Ahmed Musthan responded to questions sent by Randburg Sun about these allegations of police being involved in the drug problem in Windsor East.

“The management of Linden police takes any allegation of corruption where members are involved in a very serious light. Every allegation made is investigated departmentally and if grounds for prosecution against the member do exist, a criminal investigation is instituted,” he said.

Musthan said the public had previously been asked to report corruption directly to the station management and be available to testify in court or at a disciplinary hearing. “This is an essential requirement that cannot be avoided.” However, this has not happened, he said.

The station commander said suspects are arrested for possession of drugs on a daily basis, and assured that each and every matter is referred to the Randburg Magistrates’ Court for prosecution.

He explained that arresting someone for dealing in drugs is a specialised field, and the requirements for successful prosecution differs significantly.

Musthan added that arrests for possession of drugs have increased in the past year. He added that, unfortunately for drug users and dealers, they will have to get used to being the targets for as long as the problem exists.

“Drug-related offences are an indicator of social challenges. We cannot, and will not tolerate dealing in and the use of drugs in the Linden policing precinct and we are, and always have been, committed to addressing the escalation of drug-related offences in the Windsor area.”

Musthan encouraged residents to make use of the crime stop line 08600 10111 because information received through this line is also shared with specialised units at provincial and cluster level.

https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/two-police-commanders-moved-from-krugersdorp-police-stations-says-mbalula/

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