Data from the fourth quarter crime statistics revealed that 1 819 drug houses are located in the Western Cape, compared to 1 449 schools.
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Of the 1 819 known drug houses, 1 077 are located in the Cape Town Metro, and 742 are in rural areas, as was revealed during a parliamentary question and answer session, IOL reports. Of the total number, 37 are linked to organised crime.
Gillion Bosman, Western Cape spokesperson for community safety, says drug houses are a crucial element of the production and distribution networks maintained by illegal drug dealers. ‘The updated figures represent an increase (in drug houses) of more than 15% compared to similar numbers received by the DA in June 2021. At that time, 1 577 drug houses were known to operate in the Western Cape, with 53% of those located in the Cape Town Metro.’
‘The Western Cape Police Ombudsman set out on an investigation into the matter and is awaiting the findings. The negative effects of the illicit drug trade are well-known. Drugs tear apart families and communities and ensnare too many of our people in the bonds of addiction. Crucially, they provide the most important and vital source of income for gangs, thus driving incessant and constant violence.’
‘It is unacceptable that drug houses continue to proliferate throughout our province, where they spread their poison into our communities. It is abundantly clear that shutting down drug houses will not only end their stranglehold on our communities but will also deprive gangsters of their income.’
Reagen Allen, Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, says the number of drug houses even exceeds state buildings. ‘The increase in the number of what are deemed known drug houses is deeply alarming. Previously this number stood at 1 557, but this has escalated to 1 819. This reflects that in our province we have more “known” drug houses than public schools.’
He urges the public to be vigilant and warn the police about these houses. ‘We want to believe that since placing a spotlight on drug houses in the Western Cape, more residents have been coming forward to report where these houses are.’
‘I urge the police and all law enforcement agencies to be proactive in shutting these houses down and arresting those who are guilty of participating in these illicit trades. Those living in houses that are the property of the State should be evicted, as the housing opportunities were afforded to ensure those in need of a housing opportunity can live in dignity and not engage in illegal activities.’
Ongoing operations and information obtained from communities are vital to making arrests, says police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcom Pojie. ‘Weekly multidisciplinary, high-density integrated operations, have become a norm in the Western Cape with maximum deployment of integrated forces and force-multipliers to hotspots in the province. Some successes are based on information received from the community, while others against drug-related crime are achieved through intelligence-driven interventions from police.’
Inspector Wayne Dyason says the City’s Housing Safety Unit also investigated 436 complaints of illegal activities at rental units. The City of Cape Town has previously stated that it takes allegations of drug dealing and gangsterism seriously. ‘These types of allegations are often made and the City encourages complainants to provide details. The details required include names and addresses to allow for investigations and for the necessary action to be taken.’
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