Another drug arrest was made in the Central Business District adding to a growing list of drug related crimes for the year.
This serves as a reminder that the issue of drug abuse is a never ending problem faced by nations and individuals the world over. On October 5 the Witbank SAPS were patrolling Voortrekker Street when they came across a suspect who was allegedly dealing drugs. The police search him and found several types of drugs in his possession allegedly worth thousands of rands. He was arrested and charged with dealing in drugs.
The drug problem is not only the responsibility of the police to eradicate. Everyone has a part to play on different levels. The safety and security liaison MEC Pat Ngomane issued a statement of the role of local government in crime prevention at a two days safety and security summit,
“Alcohol and drug abuse by young people in many communities came under the spotlight as one of the reasons for high levels of crime,” said Ngomane.
A recent big drug bust made by the Witbank SAPS saw over R100 000 worth of drugs seized but the fight never ends.
He added that the summit should also assist in coming up with strategies to combat the scourge of alcohol consumption by young people.
He proposed that here should be standard by-laws for all the municipalities throughout the province on crime prevention to enable law enforcers to work effectively and insisted that it was the responsibility of all municipalities to prioritize plans to combat crime in their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), saying crime-free zones were a prerequisite for attracting investors.
The Witbank Magistrates Court also handled several cases of possession of drugs on October 7. Usually a suspended sentence or a fine is given for accused found guilty of possession.
Dealing in drugs is a much more serious offence.
To report a crime such as a tip off on an alleged drug dealer contact the Witbank SAPS on 013 655 5052 or crime line on 32211 via SMS.
ALSO READ:
Dealer busted with R40 000 drugs by Vosman police
Witbank saps confiscate R250 000 in drugs
