Gladiator Internet Café responds to drug allegations
NEWLANDS – Gladiator's new manager, Malcolm Franz, says enough is enough.
Following the recent surge from Newlands residents regarding the Gladiator Internet Café’s alleged drug operation, Malcolm Franz, the operations manager, sets the record straight.
The community was up in arms saying they are fed up with the level of crime and suspected that the internet café is used as a place where drug dealings, prostitution and illegal trading takes place.
According to one concerned resident, they have been in regular contact with the JMPD Drug squad – which has always reacted promptly and some arrests were made.
“The Sophiatown police seem to take longer to react – giving the suspects a chance to get away, in most cases. In this type of situation it is not unheard of that, at some stage, firearms are used – across the road from a school. This situation did not exist before the café was established,” recounted the resident.
Meanwhile, Franz explained that he has heard of the community’s complains, and is prepared to rectify the mistakes.
“I have recently taken over the internet café. I wasn’t aware of this, and the owners were also not aware of what was happening,” Franz said.
“I, however, cannot confirm or deny if the allegations are true, and I believe there was an element of it. But, residents should know that I have taken charge of the internet café and I am cleaning out the place – The café is now, a drug-free zone,” he emphasised.
He also added, “I want to meet up with the Newlands Community Patrollers, and also the police because I want us to start working together to fight crime in the community because the shop is meant to serve the community.”
On issues of illegal parking outside the internet café, Franz said he has ensured that any vehicle that parks there illegally gets towed away.
“I want to serve the community, and I do not approve of what has been happening at the café, and I apologise to residents. I understand their frustrations but I am here now to fix the problem,” Franz concluded.
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