The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has urged Gauteng communities to work together with the law enforcement agencies to root out drugs in their communities.
The MEC made the clarion call on 9 October during her visit to the communities of Berea, Yeoville and Hillbrow.
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Her visit follows the confiscation of drugs by community members at O’Riley and Five Avenue at Berea, Johannesburg.
Upon confiscation of drugs, the community requested the MEC to be part of the official handover of drugs since they have lost faith in the police.
The MEC then held a meeting with the local community leadership as well as social partners in the fight against crime in Berea and Hillbrow policing precinct.
The MEC applauded the work of the community members in confiscating drugs and pleaded with them to work together with the police to fight the scourge of drugs which she said has reached unprecedented levels in the province.
The South African Police Narcotic Unit was available to accept drugs led by the MEC, however, the quantity of the drugs and amount was not determined at the time since the forensic investigators were taking the drugs for analysis.
“I am delighted that finally the communities of Gauteng are taking charge of their safety,” said Nkosi-Malobane.
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“The confiscation of drugs by community members is an indication that community members want to root out the scourge of drugs in their respective spaces. It is important that we commit all our resources and encourage our communities to rally behind the police in fighting the demon that is terrorising our nation.”
We cannot allow drug lords to walk our streets and instil fear amongst ordinary citizens, she added.
The MEC instructed the crime intelligence team to work around the clock to ensure that all suspects linked with drugs are arrested and ensure maximum sentenced imposed on them.
“I call upon members of the community who might have information on some of these drug lords to report them to the authorities,” urged Nkosi-Malobane.
Details: Ofentse Morwane 066 476 0777.
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