Anti-drug activist threatened in Eldos

Anti-drug activist and resident of Eldorado Park, Dereleen James has opened a case against members of the Fast Guns Gang.

The case was opened at the Eldorado Park Police Station last week March 11.

James was accompanied by members of ActionSA including top provincial leadership to lay the criminal charges against the gang members.

This comes after James was threatened by the Fast Guns Gang in reaction to the arrest of some of its members during a recent law enforcement operation in Eldorado Park.

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The threats were published on social media platform, Facebook and have sparked fear for the community leader and her family.

“I have opened a case at the local SAPS and I urge everyone who’s exposed to similar threats to do the same.

“I call on the SAPS to speedily investigate and find the people behind these pages as many lives are being compromised,” said James.

For many years, drugs and gang violence have been plaguing the communities of Eldorado Park, Westbury and Riverlea claiming many lives in the process. In Eldos, anti-drug activists have also been targeted and killed in the past.

“We have a responsibility as parents and community to call our children to order when they are out of line, which I will continue doing without fear or favour,” said James after opening the criminal case.

“Everyone speaks about what’s unfolding in our area in their little corners but no one is talking to the perpetrators who are our children. These children need guidance, role models and positive influence.”

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James went on to encourage other parents and residents of Eldos to come together and help young people who have been lured into the life of drugs and gangsterism.

As an anti-drug activist, James founded The Yellow Ribbon Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening the fight against substance abuse through education, community participation and social entrepreneurial initiatives.

She is also a member of ActionSA and was recently appointed as member of the party’s Team Fix South Africa.

Team Fix South Africa is a team formed by ActionSA president Herman Mashaba to tackle South Africa’s most pressing issues such as drug abuse, crime, and gangsterism.