Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has urged communities to expose drug dealers operating in their areas, emphasising that drug abuse often leads to other crimes and fuels gender-based violence.
Dr Ramathuba, accompanied by MEC for Social Development Florence Radzilani and Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rambuda, visited the grieving Mudau family in Tshakhuma last Thursday to offer condolences. The family suffered a devastating tragedy on 26 November when a family member allegedly set fire to their home, resulting in the death of 91-year-old Masindi Mudau Madzivhandila in the blaze. It is believed that the arsonist is a drug addict.
During her visit, Dr Ramathuba took the opportunity to condemn drug abuse, which she said was tearing communities apart. "Drug dealers live among us, and they are known. It is time for us all to stand up against them. Let us expose them and report their activities to the police. These dealers are wreaking havoc in our communities, leading to deaths caused by addicts. Today, I am sending a strong warning to all dealers that their days are numbered. I have directed law-enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to eradicate this scourge by raiding all known hideouts of suspected dealers," she said.
Community members and leaders also expressed concern over the impact of drugs on their villages. The rise in drug abuse among the youth has been linked to increasing crime rates.
Community leader Mr Osley Nyamande voiced frustration over the easy availability of drugs. "These drug dens must be shut down, and the runners arrested for the sake of our youth. What kind of future leaders are we nurturing if they indulge in drugs daily? This must come to an end," he said.