Organisations such as Philisa Anti Substance Abuse in Sharpeville together with the community of Midvaal should be commended for the wonderful work that they are doing in helping curb the surge of substance abuse, nyaope in particular, in our community.
Our municipalities should take a strong stand as the community is under siege from nyaope users, both boys and girls who steal anything of value for a fix. Though the exact content of the drug is not known, other substances such as rat poison, milk powder or antiretroviral drugs used for HIV treatment are reportedly added to the mixture to enhance the effect of the drug. Mothers are in despair after their sons and daughters have left them depleted.
Even churches are not exempt from these addicts who can even go as far as stealing its valuable equipment. Until recently nyaope was not classified as an illegal drug, making the prosecution of those arrested for selling or possession of the substance “legally impossible.” But earlier this year the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act was amended to include a ban on substances that contain other prohibited drugs like heroin and dagga, as they are illegal. Big up to that but more needs to be done in finding a solution to this problem as taking the addicts to jail will only make things worse – as I am made to believe that even in jail this dangerous substance is available.
I say as a community we must take a stand and say; enough is enough. I believe that this problem affects all of us. I also believe that even if it does not involve any of your family members directly it affects you in some way. The time is now, enough is enough.
Lerato…
