Lead SA on drug issue

Lead SA, Crime Line and civic organisations have called for an urgent “audit” of all drug-related arrests to ascertain the extent of case withdrawals and convictions.

The latest figures released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) brings the number of Drug Watch arrests to 35 422, while over R14.2-million worth of drugs have been seized since the initiative was launched in Gauteng in June.

“While we have no doubt that we have disrupted the activities of drug dealers and manufacturers, we are disturbed by figures that have emerged in the media regarding the withdrawal of drug related cases,” said Lead SA.

In a parliamentary reply, the Democratic Alliance (DA) claimed that more than 70 000 drug related cases were withdrawn by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over the last three years. That amounts to around 2 000 cases a month.

“We have noted that the NPA has disputed these figures, but our own experience during the course of the Drug Watch initiative points at the inefficiency of the courts to deal with these cases.

“This particular issue has been raised with us from scores of interested parties. It appears that despite being arrested, drug dealers resume their activities almost immediately upon release and their cases are rarely followed through to the end,” said Lead SA.

Lead SA and Crime Line have indicated that they will be writing to Justice Minister, Jeff Radebe and the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) to intervene as a matter of urgency.

“We want them urgently to report back on how many of the cases arising from the Drug Watch initiative has been finalised or are still pending.

“If withdrawn, we want a full explanation on why cases have been dismissed. We also want transparency in this matter and immediate action to establish and address the apparent inability of our courts to handle cases of this nature,” Lead SA said.

South African National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (NICRO) has supported the call for greater transparency within the courts.

“It is discouraging for community members who are sacrificing their lives for a safer South Africa to hear of drug cases being dropped or lack of investigative follow-ups from arrests and tip offs.

“There needs to be a clear plan of action regarding how the criminal justice system will prevent large numbers of drug cases from being withdrawn,” said NICRO’s Jacques Sibomana.

The Drug Watch initiative in Gauteng is set to conclude when the festive season ends in January.

“Members of the public have done their part in reporting drug related crimes to Crime Line and Crime Stop, the police have in turn followed up on these tip-offs and have made arrests.

“However, without a commitment by the justice department to address this problem, the vicious cycle will continue,” said Crime Line.

“As much as we express our concern over this issue, we are delighted that millions of rands worth of drugs has been removed from Gauteng’s streets over the last few months. This on its own is a success.

“We also were delighted to learn that some areas have even run dry due to the higher police visibility as part of the Drug Watch initiative,” Crime Line added.

Lead SA and Crime Line will report back on any response received from the Ministry of Justice or NDPP and hopefully a way forward.

Crime Line urged communities to continue passing on tip-offs to the 32211 SMS service or call 08600 10111 and blow the whistle on crime.

“As we go into the festive season, crime traditionally spikes over this period and we call on you to be our eyes and ears to ensure a safe season for all,” Crime Line added.

James expressed her fear for the coming festive season as there are currently four girls in the Eldorado Park community that have gone missing and are believed to be at the so-called lolly lounges.

“What is going to happen this festive season? More deaths? More children lost to drugs? How much more must we do before government listens to us?”