“There is a lot that needs to be done,” says Masango

The pervasive drug epidemic continues to plague communities, casting a shadow of despair as authorities struggle to find effective solutions in eMalahleni.

The appearance of eight suspects between the ages of 27 and 38 before the Witbank Magistrate Court on Wednesday, March 20, for alleged drug possession serves as a stark reminder of the persistent nature of the problem.

“Week in and week out, suspects are arrested for drug-related crimes,” said Captain Elizabeth Hlathi of the Vosman Police Station, highlighting the persistent nature of the issue.

“Drugs are a thorn in the flesh of the community, especially the youth,” said Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu, Vosman SAPS station commander, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive strategies to combat drug abuse. After the arrest of the eight suspects in KwaGuqa Extensions and Vosman, the brigadier urged the community to report any crime to the police, including drug dealing or possession.

Despite heightened police vigilance and collaborative efforts with the local community, the grip of drugs on eMalahleni shows no signs of loosening.

“There is a lot that needs to be done. We are doing what we can; however, we are not getting the results,” said Thando Masango, a former drug addict and advocate for rehabilitation through the Karamba Foundation.

Masango added, “We need activities to keep the children off the streets, and we also need a lot of resources so that we can fight this pandemic, and everyone’s help is needed in this journey,” emphasising the lack of resources to engage young people in productive alternatives to drug use.

Thembi Makhubo from Sanca, echoed Masango’s sentiments, pointing to the prevalence of drug abuse among young people as a pressing concern. Makhubo stressed the urgency of raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and called on parents to actively engage in the fight against the drug pandemic.

“We urge parents to take a stand in this pandemic that is killing our children and also to support them in some way,” urged Makhubo, highlighting the need for community involvement in addressing the drug crisis.

Makhubo further shed light on the emerging trend of hubbly bubbly and vape smoking among young people, exacerbating the challenges faced in combating substance abuse.

“Well, we now have the dilemma of young people smoking hubbly and vaping freely because they are unaware of how dangerous it can be; please, parents intervene,” said Makhubo.

Makhubo concluded by saying their offices are open to everyone who needs help.

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— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 26, 2024

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