By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Vryburg and neighbouring areas embarked on a peaceful march against various socio-economic challenges impacting negatively within their communities. One of the burning issues was drug abuse and crime.
The secretary of Naledi Community Against Crime Organisation, Itumeleng Mahanyele (37), said there are an assortment of challenges that have marred the communities such drugs and substance abuse, crime and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“As Naledi Community Against Crime organisation, we have invited various departments such as the South African Police Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Basic Education, Department of Social Development and Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Health, Department of Justice and Correctional Services for intervention.
“The purpose of the invite was to be part of the solution of the social ills devouring our community. As the community, we intend to come up with sustainable solutions to these challenges. We have since consulted with the community at large to ensure that the process in solving our problems is all inclusive,” Mahanyele said.
He further said, it has come to their attention that a way to sustainable solutions is delayed because of the sale and usage of illegal substances that lead to the atrocious acts of rape, murder, loss of morals among the youth and the general increase of GBV in households and within the community.
Mahanyele added that the distribution of drugs in schools and within the community, theft and house-breakings have become a cause for greater concern.
“The cases are dragged over a long period and eventually disappear from the roll. There is also a concern over bribery of officials, early release of individuals imprisoned and undocumented citizens. There is a high need for police vehicles and personnel.
“Those investigating police officers who are conniving with drug dealers and tavern owners need to be harshly dealt with. We also call on the police to clap mushrooming shebeens and illegal alcohol outlets in our area,” he said.
Mahanyele said there is a high demand of satellite police stations in various areas like Colridge township, Ext 25, 28 and Dithakwaneng. He said social workers as well as offices and vehicles are needed to cater for individuals’ needs.
“There is a lack of disability centres, rehabilitation centres as well as orphanages. The non-implementation of the national drug master plan by the district and local government also needs to be taken into consideration.
“The shortage of security guards both in primary and high schools create a loophole for learners to enter school premises with drugs and weapons. Also, shortage of arts, culture, sports and recreation educators in schools is a challenge too. There is no integration of mural activities in schools,” said Mahanyele.
Meanwhile, the MEC for North West Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari who accepted the memorandum on behalf of government said: “I will ensure that the North West Premier, Bushy Maape receives the memorandum and all your grievances are attended to. We also have our police here and I hope they will address all crime-related issues raised today.”
The Guardian 