/ 15 May 2013

Task team set up to tackle Eldorado Park’s drug issues

Jacob Zuma was accompanied by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa
Jacob Zuma was accompanied by Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa

"This team will further discuss this matter and table possible solutions," said Mokonyane's spokesperson Thebe Mohatle on Wednesday.

President Jacob Zuma, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and Mokonyane visited Eldorado Park on Tuesday after parents wrote to Zuma about drug problems in the area.

The community pleaded with the president to come to their assistance to tackle an escalating drug problem in the area.

"The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the critical and dying state our children are in. Dad, we need you to help us mothers save our children," wrote a number of unnamed mothers.

They said drugs had taken over their lives, with children as young as eight becoming drug addicts.

Police turned a blind eye
Zuma and the ministers heard from parents about how drugs were widely available, and led to children being hooked from a young age.

The parents said police in the area turned a blind eye to drug dealers.

At the venue on Tuesday, Zuma said Mokonyane had pledged to first help resident Doreleene James's 17-year-old son with his drug addiction.

Zuma said that he would personally take charge of the drive to rid the area of drug dens, called "lolli lounges", and drug peddlers.

The task team would also look at putting addicts into safe homes, said Mohatle. – Sapa