POLOKWANE – A lot of drug trading in the city occurs before, during and after school, with some learners selling drugs and others using them.
This was revealed by several learners who spoke to Review after a visit by the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) Far North to some schools in the city.
The learners further told Review which drugs were most popular and what their “code” names were. The code names could be used in a normal conversation without others knowing they were talking about drugs, the learners said.
At the top of the popularity list were dagga (Auntie Mary), nyaope (smokey) and ecstasy (the x). Also on the list were cocaine (freeze, happy dust, mojo, sweet stuff), crack (hardball, love and scrabble), inhalants (highball, medusa and boppers and rohypnol (R2, ruffies and circles).
Regarding the buying and selling of drugs at school, the learners said this was easily done during class, when changing classes and during break time.
In class, they would hand the drugs and money around hidden in a textbook, and in some cases, even tape the package under a desk or chair. Other methods included placing the money or drugs in a school bag and handing it over and putting it in a locker, and then “accidently” dropping the key for the other learner to pick up.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, most schools in the city were very strict when it came to anything to do with drugs.
“Many schools invite us to come to speak to the children and have a look around, but in most cases, we are dependent on being invited by the department of education and this is sometimes a problem,” Otto said.
“We cannot act without being invited, and in the fight against drugs in schools, this means that we do not have the reach we would like.”
Amanda van Staden from Sanca Far North said most of the adults who came to them for help started using drugs when they were at school.
Both the police and Sanca urged people to report any matters involving drugs.
“Sanca is here not only to assist and support drug users but also their families. We urge people to come forward. The more they talk, the more successful the fight against drugs will be and the sooner there can be healing for the drug users and their families and friends,” Van Staden said.
