In their quest to rout out drugs in the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs, Norwood Community Policing Forum has partnered with Lion of Judah Rehabilitation Centre to fight the scourge in the area.
Lion of Judah is a registered non-profit organisation, registered with the Department of Social Development, to help struggling communities deal with drug problems.
Based in Odendaalsrus, close to Welkom in the Free State, the centre is partnering with various policing forums across the country to help deal with prevalence of substance abuse in society.
According to Charl du Toit, founder of centre, it is important for a rehabilitation centre not to be close to any major metropolitan areas as to ensure a tranquil environment for the residence and patients.
Du Toit said they are coming into the cities to help people suffering from addiction and to make them aware that there is still a chance for them to fight this habit.
He said they started the community forum WhatsApp drug talk line about six months ago and currently have members from a number of offices nationwide.
“We also visit CPF offices and stations from time to time to create awareness about the types of drugs and addiction, and furthermore, distribute information about addiction to the offices.
“On the group, we have CPF officials as well as SAPS members, and the intention is to educate them. We also accept addicts where a counsellor can assist with advice and counselling on how to handle their addictions.”
He said the group join link may also be sent to individuals who are stuck in addiction.
“The group is intended to quickly help someone that is in need and group members can post questions at any time and expect an answer back within minutes.
“If they [SAPS or CPF officials] are dealing with an addict and they need information on how to deal with a certain issue, they can post the question on the group and a counsellor will respond,” concluded Du Toit.
People who wish to join the WhatsApp group, can visit the CPF office of their local police station to get more information.
Details: www.lionofjudah.co.za
