Three suspects were arrested in the Nzhelele valley on 10 March for allegedly dealing in drugs. This follows a sting operation conducted by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and members of the Tactical Response Team.
The trio had apparently been on the Hawks' radar for a while before their arrest. According to a media statement released by the Hawks, the first suspect was caught selling crystal meth and dagga at his spaza shop, while the other two, who are alleged to be a couple, were found in possession of crystal meth at their house. The estimated value of the seized drugs is R10 000.
The suspects, Mukhethwa Mashamba (23), Ronny Mamatsinga (37) and Rofhiwa Mambona (33), were granted R2 000 bail each after they first appeared in the Dzanani District Court on Friday, 11 March. The matter has been postponed until 2 June.
Crystal meth is the common name for the drug crystal methamphetamine, or matombo as it is popularly known in the streets of Venda. This is a highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed. Communities in the Nzhelele valley grow more worried by the day as this dangerous drug is fast becoming the latest trend, especially among the youth.
Anti-crime activist Mr Joshua Simango of the South African Youth Against Crime (SAYAC) said that the high usage of crystal meth in the Nzhelele valley gives him sleepless nights. "It seems as if every young person around here is sniffing this thing (crystal meth) and it is becoming a problem because it is expensive. For them to afford it they have to steal or sell something." Simango said what pains him the most was that even children younger than 15 years were getting hooked on the drug.
Siloam and Biaba CBDs are believed to be the epicentres of the drug trade. Siloam SANCO chairperson Mr Tshihume Tshindane welcomed the arrest made by the Hawks and said that drug usage in the valley was destroying their young people. "We are pleading with community leaders and the police to help us fight this enemy."
A former crystal meth user, who asked for anonymity to protect his dignity, told this paper that many young people bought crystal meth like hotcakes. "A lot of people here smoke [it]; even people that you won't suspect are also using. Whenever you go to local taverns or pubs you should check those who have a lot of energy. You will see them, they don't sleep. They party right through the night."