City moves to curb alcohol and drugs

By Anele Siwa
11 June 2008

The City of Cape Town have responded to the fears of Cape Flats residents, and have set up an interdepartmental task team to make stronger the fight against substance abuse.

“At an initial meeting, called by the Housing and Safety and Security directorates, it became clear that drug and illegal alcohol trafficking from council owned dwellings was a major concern in Atlantis, Macassar, Ocean View, Ravensmead, Manenburg, Langa, Gugulethu and Mitchell’s Plain,” says Councillor Glen Kleinsmith.

According to Kleinsmith the housing department has been given more than 300 addresses that are being unlawfully used as drug dens and shebeens.

He elaborated that these addresses will be visited, inspected and if proof is obtained of illegal activities, they will move rapidly to put an end to them.

“We should say goodbye to the scenario where SAPS and Metro police members’ raid shebeens and drug houses on a daily basis and the culprits blithely continue their destruction of our communities. The synergies between the involved departments must be improved,” says Kleinsmith.

According to Kleinsmith the Planning Department will identify Council-owned properties where unlawful structures have been added for the illegal trade in drugs and alcohol and court orders will be obtained for the demolition of such structures.

“Metro police and Law Enforcement members will collaborate with the SAPS to expedite the arrest and prosecution of those involved.”