A recent drug bust in Murison, Heidedal, Bloemfontein, has reignited concerns over the safety of schoolchildren in the area. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confiscated 353 rolled cannabis-laced substances weighing 400 grams, along with 66 zip-lock bags containing Mandrax tablets, eight zip-lock bags of Methcathinone — commonly known as ‘Cat’—and one additional bag of Crystal Meth.
A 33-year-old man was arrested, and a case of drug dealing was opened at the Heidedal Police Station. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon. In an exclusive interview with the Journal News, Colonel Isak Francis, co-chair of the District Joint Youth
and the Social Responsibility Priority Committee and acting station commander at Mangaung Police Station, emphasised the critical role parents play in combating drug abuse among youth.
“Charity begins at home. Parents should be aware of their children’s behavioural patterns and not lose hope when they suspect negative influences. Instead, they should strive to understand and educate their children about the dangers of gangsterism and drugs,” said Francis. He explained that while school safety officers have been appointed to educate learners about drugs, gangsterism, school safety, and human trafficking, parental involvement remains key.
Francis also reflected on the effectiveness of community policing programmes before 1995, which helped combat crime through visible police presence and community engagement. However, he noted that rising living costs and poverty have worsened the situation.
"Children from impoverished households often resort to selling drugs among their peers just to afford a meal. Some drug lords exploit this by offering food and support, eventually recruiting them as foot soldiers,” he added.
Francis urged community members to cooperate with police, report drug-related activities, and refrain from interfering during arrests. Meanwhile, Basie Kok, chairperson of the Greater Mangaung Neighbourhood Watch, expressed concern that community patrols often face danger and backlash when responding to drug-related incidents. Kok proposed increased after-hours patrols and the establishment of school safety committees to strengthen prevention efforts.
“We’ve seen positive results at Heatherdale Secondary, Olympia, and Credence Primary, where neighbourhood watch members patrol school premises after hours. If more schools adopt this initiative, we can gradually reduce drug distribution and use among learners,” concluded Kok.
