DRUGS and taxi ranks seem to go hand-in-hand on the South Coast.
And all community forums and police agree, drugs are the root cause of much of the crime which seems to be spiraling out of control in many areas.
But what to do?
Police say they make multiple arrests daily, very often just to see the courts release the culprits soon afterwards as most are seen as small-time criminals.
Margate SAPS Spokesman Captain Geral Mfeka said they were doing everything they could to catch the suppliers, but they were dealing with highly organised syndicates who used addicts to push their products.
No sooner were the latter arrested there were plenty of others to take their place.
Port Shepstone’s spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid, confirmed that they made arrests daily.
“It is not always large quantities, but we charge them anyway.” They were aware that most activity took place near the taxi ranks and they targeted these ‘hot-spots‘.
Community forums in Uvongo and Ramsgate/Southbroom all voiced their concerns at recent meetings.
The Herald also spoke to a Margate mother who said she had tried all avenues to get help for her son.
“I’ve done everything, from taking him to various rehab centres to seeking medical and psychiatric assistance. Nothing is helping,” she said through tears of frustration.
I love him, but sometimes I’m afraid he’s going to kill me, – desperate mother
An addict from Bhoboyi, Babalo Mbagtha (23), was prepared to go on record.
“I was fired from my job. At the time I left shouting ‘who the f*** cares’? I was high and I really didn’t care. I walked out and drove. The very same day, I was arrested and my licence was suspended.”
He said he would do anything when he had the cravings – even selling all his furniture from his apartment – just to get money for drugs.
I’ve put my family through so much. They have to hide everything, even food, because I sell it, – self-confessed drug addict
He admitted his main source of drugs was from the taxi ranks.
“But these are the small guys. They get the stuff from the the big fish who live in mansions. You will never see them on our streets.”
It seems to be an on-going battle and getting worse. Police can no longer tackle it alone. Every law-abiding citizen needs to become a whistle-blower and help fight a battle which threatens our well-being and safety.
Addicts desperate for help can contact the Port Shepstone Recovery Centre at 083 3012886.
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