KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize today thanked the community of Chatsworth for working to rid itself of the problem of drugs.
Dr Mkhize was approached by community members during last year's Heritage Day celebrations held in Chatsworth and complained bitterly about the proliferation of drugs and drug dealers in their community.
"We head how parents has grown to live in fear of their own children who would do anything to satisfy their craving for a multiplicity of drug concoctions," said Dr Mkhize. Dr Mkhize said Chatsworth had worn itself he dubious crown of being the Province's drug den.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said she was given a clear mandate by the Premier, to work on the problem. She said the community has been very cooperative by giving valuable informational to the police which resulted in a number of arrest over the past few months where drugs and cash amounting to millions of Rand's were seized.
Before the start of the meeting, the police received a tip off which resulted in an arrest and a large quantity of drugs being seized. Community and business leaders thanked Dr Mkhize for the initiative and said the community feels much safer.
MEC for Human Settlement Ravi Pillay challenged the community to ta its frightful place in the long history of heroes who fought for the rights of the community and the democracy we all enjoy today.
Dr Mkhize told the community that a forum, to deal with drug dependency, is being formed in the province. The forum will be chaired by the Premier. "On the one level, the law enforcement agencies must prosecute those who deal in drug, while on the other hand we should be able to assist those who have a dependency problem," he said.
He thanked the community for the vital role they are playing in resolving the drugs problem plaguing the community. He also thanked Post newspaper editor Aakash Bramdeo who partnered with government in the campaign by providing a platform where members of the community can give information which has led to the arrests.
Dr Mkhize also said senior government officials will be working closely with the Justice Department to tighten all loopholes whining impede maximum punishment for the perpetrators.
