Have drugs taken over Windsor East?
WINDSOR EAST – The Windsor Local Drug Campaign reports on the drug problem overrunning the area.
Drugs in South Africa have become a daily problem that not only plagues residents, but also the police who struggle to lessen the ever-expanding problem.
In light of this, the Windsor Local Drug Action Campaign (LDAC) held a Substance Abuse Prevention, Capacity Building and Effective Parenting Campaign in Windsor East on 6 December.
Residents were encouraged to attend and become acquainted with the members of LDAC, as well as to hear information about the drug problem in the area.
Windsor LDAC executive committee member, Gathel Moyo said that the youth in the area were hard hit by drug issues because the high rate of unemployment of employment. The closest thing for them to find comfort in is drugs, which often leads them to getting involved in crime. And also leaves them enough time to use drugs.
“This event is an awareness event for people to know where to go when they need assistance. We have the City of Johannesburg, Linden Police Station, National Youth Development Agency, Department of Justice, Trade and Industry, Department of Social Development and Sanca partnering with us today,” Moyo said.
Ward 98 councillor, Beverley Weweje pointed out that their biggest problem at the moment was overcrowding in Windsor East where the surrounding flats were occupied by more people than they should be.
“I believe that the biggest problems will be resolved once the property issues have been solved. We are currently in the process of identifying problem properties and to take the relevant [action],” Weweje explained.
Concerned Windsor East resident Freddy Matimbi accused the police of not doing enough to curb the drug problem in the area. “This is a small area and I don’t think we should be dragging our feet in eradicating the problems,” Matimbi said.
He noted that the area looked like a pigsty and that there seemed to be no legal control in the area.
“The City of Johannesburg, ward councillors and the police have abandoned Windsor. Drug dealers roam around the streets freely and it almost seems as if the drug dealers are being protected by police,” he alleged.
“We know who sells drugs here, but when we call the police they can’t make arrests without proof. There are a number of hotspots around here and drugs are being sold in daylight here. We need law enforcement to take action and not compromise our lives.”
Details: 083 587 3965 or 32211.
