De Lille plans march on drug dealers’ dens

INLSA

Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane

Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille has appealed to residents to join the City of Cape Town’s fight against “drug lords”, saying: “Enough is enough.”

De Lille was speaking at the official launch of the city’s substance abuse prevention programme, “Don’t Start, Be Smart”, in Bellville on Tuesday.

She sent a strong warning to drug dealers, saying they should not be allowed to live “among law-abiding citizens”.

Hundreds of pupils from across Cape Town attended the launch, which also marked the UN International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

De Lille appealed to them to join her in a march in the next few weeks.

“We are going to march to the drug dealers’ houses and tell them: ‘Enough is enough.’ We are going to take to the streets in those areas and deal with those merchants.

“You must tell them they must go and sell their drugs somewhere else… it’s too easy for our children to get hold of drugs.”

De Lille said many young people were “tempted to experiment” with drugs and alcohol.

While urging them to avoid drug abuse, she said residents should join forces with police in fighting drugs.

She said the city also had regular meetings with the provincial police commissioner, General Arno Lamoer.

“I am confident we can count on his co-operation and support.”

The junior mayor of the city council, Thandokazi Sineke, also spoke at the launch, and asked:

“Where is South Africa going to be in 50 years’ time? You must remember: ‘I was born with a purpose.’ If you live with that knowledge, mandrax and cocaine will never get you down.

“It’s time to realise you have gifts, young people.”

Tandeka Gqada, the mayoral committee member for community services, encouraged young people to visit the city’s recreation facilities.

“Go there and play so you don’t end up on the streets and do drugs.”

Gqada said the city had launched its holiday programme and added that there were free computer services at city libraries.

The city’s outpatient drug rehabilitation sites also had stands, issuing pamphlets at the event.

These Matrix sites are in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, Table View, Delft South and Khayelitsha.

It’s estimated the centres treat more than 1 000 people each year.

According to the Medical Research Council, just over 3 000 patients were treated at inpatient and outpatient centres during the first half of 2010.

bronwynne.jooste@inl.co.za

Cape Argus