DEAR Editor,-
I have been a proud resident of Port Shepstone all my life and it is because of this that I feel the community and the SAPS need to take drastic action against drug dealers and abusers in our town. In particular, Marburg extension 14 is rife with drug activity. Boys as young as 12 years old are peddling drugs near their own homes. I have seen this myself and, being a parent, this issue is very close to my heart
Something must be done – and soon. These young boys are easy prey for drug dealers who pose as ‘businessmen’. Obviously it’s an easy way of laundering their illegal income. Boys are being recruited to sell drugs in their neighbourhoods and even outside religious places of worship. Many people in the community know who these drug suppliers are, but are unwilling or too scared to make a stand. How long will we let these thugs rule our neighbourhoods? How long will everyone stand by and watch their own children become drug dealers?
People are good at turning a blind eye, but ultimately it’s the children in this town who are suffering. Don’t for a second think that you or your children are safe because you are not directly involved in this! This is our town, what affects one person, affects us all. I urge the community to come forward with information regarding drug dealers. Members of the SAPS also need to be prepared to take these informants seriously and make them feel comfortable enough to come forward.
Recently there have been endless stories about drugs and child abuse in the newspaper. Everyone reads the articles, discusses them, then that’s it. Life goes on. Until you are the person affected by something like this, or it is your daughter who is being raped by your husband. This isn’t something to hide your head in shame about. Be brave enough to fight against abusers. That is the only way a victim can be free. We, as a community, should support these families in these dark times. Not condemn and ridicule them. It could happen to you!
We need to stop these monsters who live amongst us. Something needs to be done. And fast! By looking the other way, we are allowing these sick people to have power over this community and our children. Let’s fight together for the future of our town.
PORT SHEPSTONE PARENT
