Katlehong Police Launch Community Outreach Programme to Combat Drug Abuse
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in Katlehong have launched a community outreach programme aimed at helping drug abuse victims access rehabilitation services and break the cycle of addiction.
The initiative took place on Friday, June 27, at Siluma Gardens, where Acting Social Crime Prevention Coordinator and Sector Manager Sergeant Lilian Makeke led the programme alongside Gender-Based Violence Brigade officers and Community Police Forum representatives.
The outreach programme comes as Youth Month draws to a close, prompting reflection on the challenges facing today’s young people compared to the youth of 1976 who united against Bantu education policies.
“If the youth of back then managed to unite against Bantu education, what is stopping the youth of today from uniting against substance abuse and other social ills facing them?” organizers questioned during the event.
Police officials used the opportunity to educate community members about the long-term consequences of criminal behavior linked to drug abuse.
They highlighted how a criminal conviction at age 18 can result in a criminal record that remains active for 10 years, potentially blocking employment opportunities until age 28.
Katlehong Police spokesperson Constable Sivenkosi Mthwa emphasized the availability of support services in the community. “All the assistance is there, like your non-profit organizations such as Usizo Support Organization that hosted today’s awareness event. Therefore, no one is left behind except those in denial and those who believe in myths that they are bewitched to use drugs.”
The programme also provided practical support to attendees, with food parcels distributed to victims of drug abuse as part of the comprehensive assistance offered.
The initiative represents a collaborative approach between law enforcement and community organizations to address substance abuse through education, intervention, and referral to rehabilitation facilities rather than purely punitive measures.
