Mamelodi stakeholders join hands to help community fight drugs

Mamelodi residents and schoolchildren have once again been warned to stay away from drugs, due to the many dangers they pose.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Daphney Maila, said they are calling on all the communities to take part in the fight against the problem of drug and substance abuse.

She said pamphlets were handed over to the community to help parents pick up on signs of abuse, as well as give tips on what to look for when one suspects drug-use.

Maila said: “The problem of drug abuse is everywhere, and, therefore, we all need to join the fight against abuse by working together with police to root out all the druglords selling drugs to the youth. The police plead with the community members to come on board and help the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“We have realised most of the criminal offenses reported at the station originate from drug and substance abuse.”

Maila was speaking at a meeting attended by different stakeholders, including mental health representatives and the police during an annual drug awareness fun walk campaign organised by Thandanani Drop Inn Centre in Mamelodi on Friday.

Thandanani also said they had identified Mamelodi hostels as a hideout for drug users and lots of teenagers or youths who have run away from their families.

Maila added that the aim of the awareness campaign was to create a drug-free township, “as we don’t want drugs in our communities”.

Thabo Kgotsi of Thandanani said the centre has a Narcotics Anonymous programme aimed at helping ex-drug users in Mamelodi reclaim their lives from drugs.

“The ex-users who have decided to take this step are assisted at the centre, and more addicts are encouraged to join.

“We will stop at nothing to make sure we have a drug-free community. We started this programme because we want to save our brothers and sisters, and we also visit local schools to raise awareness against drug and substance abuse,” said Kgotsi.

The public is advised to come to the centre’s office if they need help with someone taking drugs.

Tidimatso Maloka, a social worker at the centre, said the fun walk was hosted to encourage the community, young and old, to stay away from drugs.

She said the awareness campaign was all about fun and spreading the message about the dangers of drugs.

“The awareness campaign is an annual event that started in 2017, and this year it’s all about fun and engaging with the community at large.

“We decided to spread the message to the community by handing out pamphlets with safety tips on drugs and places to get help.”

Kgotsi said the campaign came about when Thandanani learned about the high number of drug users that had relapsed after undergoing rehabilition.

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