SACP marches against drugs in Standerton CBD
The party urged law enforcement to work with the social department to eradicate the growing number of young people addicted to drugs such as nayope.
Drugs were again the topic of concern among Standerton residents last weekend.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) led a march through town on June 8 to show their concern for the growing drug abuse problem in town, especially at the building that used to be the Toristo Hotel on Naudé Street.
The group handed a memorandum to the police. According to Standerton police spokesperson Captain Gibi Mtsweni, the SACP believes law enforcement is not doing enough to ward off the growing amount of substance abusers.
The SACP blames illegal immigrants and corruption in law enforcement agencies for the escalating drug problem in the area.
They demand developed and trained law enforcement officers stationed in all wards.
The party also raised concern for the growing number of underaged and small children found in taverns and requested ongoing inspection and enforcement of the law.
According to Mtsweni, the memorandum states buildings such as the Toristo should not accommodate people who sell illegal substances and the SACP demanded constant monitoring and inspection of these buildings.”
The party urged law enforcement to work with the social department to eradicate the growing number of young people addicted to drugs such as nayope.
The group urged law enforcement to be more visible in their attempts to stop crime rates from increasing.
The party raised a concern about the growing community of Lekwa and stipulated the existing infrastructure is not enough to accommodate all areas within the community.
As a final demand, the SACP demanded the deportation of all known illegal immigrants. Drug abuse is a growing problem in the Lekwa community. According to Chantelle-Lee Fick of Yahweh Rapha Recovery Centre Secunda, the biggest problem in a community that houses drug addicts is a spike in theft and burglary cases.
“Addicts break into homes or steal items to sell, to buy more illegal substances,” Fick said.
Drug abuse also heavily influences families.
“When a loved one is a substance misuser, their families constantly worry about when that person will come home or when they will receive a call that their loved one has died,” Fick added.
If you know anyone struggling with substance abuse, seek assistance from the Yahweh Rapha Recovery Centre in Secunda. For more information, call Chantelle-Lee Fick at 082 602 1561 or Marc Fick at 079 400 7387.
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