Pretoria – Cabinet has noted the progress made by the police, community leaders and other structures in Eldorado Park under the leadership of the Gauteng Provincial Government, says Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
Briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, Sisulu said together they had made significant progress in fighting the scourge of substance abuse.
President Jacob Zuma visited the area in southern Johannesburg, where women told of their ordeal of drug dealers who preyed on their children.
Since then at least 116 people have been arrested in an operation to rid the community of drugs and substance related crimes. Of the 116 arrested, 43 were for drug related crimes, 20 for driving under the influence of liquor, 10 for assault, while the rest were for various crimes such as burglary, theft and unlicensed firearms.
A total of 20 drug dens, also known as “lolly lounges”, were also closed down.
Four addicted children, including an 8-year-old, found at lolly lounges, have been taken to a place of safety. Police also confiscated drugs including cat, mandrax, cocaine, rock and nyaope.
The provincial government is introducing by-laws that will enable the province to demolish buildings that are being used to produce and sell drugs, and where drug-addicts are used as sex slaves.
Gauteng has also teamed up with Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which will set up a short-term (seven days) intensive detoxification programme for children addicted to drugs.
Plans are also in place to increase funding of existing out-patient treatment centres, not only in the area but the province as well.
In order to ensure swift justice in the area, authorities are considering opening special dedicated drug courts to ensure the rapid processing of drug related cases.
“Cabinet is aware that the situation in Eldorado Park is symptomatic of issues facing many communities in the rest of the country and calls on communities throughout the country to lead the fight for a “substance-free” South Africa within their respective areas,” said Sisulu.
She added that Cabinet has called on all segments of society to raise the profile of programmes to fight substance abuse during Youth Month in June.
The Youth Month theme is: “Working Together for Youth Development and a Drug Free South Africa.”
“During Youth Month, let us recommit ourselves to fighting the war against substance abuse and alcoholism in all areas of the country.”- SAnews.gov.za
