Ex-Seshego dealer says damaged families left behind are not worth a life of crime
He says the reality of what he was doing, and the effect it had on the community was lost on him and it was only when his father got sick that reality hit.
POLOKWANE – “There was nothing I could not do in Seshego, because everyone was afraid of us.” These are the words of Sipho Ngema*, an ex-drug dealer in Seshego who spoke to BONUS about his journey and how it destroyed lives and families.
Sipho says he began working for a well-known drug dealer almost seven years ago, after struggling with life post-matric due to financial constraints. “I wasn’t able to go to university because my family could not afford it. Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to be, but getting a job in an office always sounded appealing to me.”
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He explained that he was exposed to drugs in Gr 12, but he was not a user, however, drug dealing soon became the only option. “I saw people who would deal, driving nice cars and popping expensive champagne and for a person who did not have a plan, it was a fantasy.”
I would hang out there in the hope of finding out how everything works. Soon enough, they trusted me and I was starting to deal as well. It was exciting at first, living a life where everyone respected you out of fear.” He says the reality of what he was doing, and the effect it had on the community was lost on him and it was only when his father got sick that reality hit.
“All I cared about was that I was providing for my family. I did not care how I was helping to break up other families. As long as my parents had everything they needed, I did not care about anyone else. When my father became ill, I was in denial. I thought because I was rich, I could make him better, but unfortunately it does not work that way.”
When Sipho’s father passed on, he had a change of heart and realised the drug life was not suited for him. “Although it might be appealing, the damaged families that are left behind are not worth a life of crime. I wish my brothers who are still stuck in that life would have the same change of heart as I did.”
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Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo told BONUS that police have identified Seshego as a predominant area for drug usage and that they do have a team who are currently working in the area. He has urged the community to help police through anonymous tip-offs to help in the fight against drug abuse.
*The identity of the person has been changed – Ed.
