Kutlwano Police Station Commander, Superintendent Alice Oabile, has called on residents to act against the growing drug problem in the community, stressing the need for timely reporting to help tackle the issue head-on.
Oabile points to the visible impact of drugs on young people.
“We see there is a problem looking at the behaviour of many young people; you will see changes in behaviour, some appear drunk without the smell of alcohol, act hyper, lose inhibitions, or become aggressive. These are clear signs of drug use,” she says.
Despite these signs, catching dealers remains a challenge.
“We conduct raids but often return empty-handed. The biggest hurdle is the lack of timely reporting. By the time we get information, it’s usually too late,” she explains.
In 2024, the station recorded only two cases involving CAT (methcathinone) and 28 cases involving marijuana. Most arrests involve users carrying small quantities, while dealers evade capture.
“When we arrive, suspects scatter, leaving us with drugs but no arrests. Our goal is to catch the kingpins, but they remain elusive,” Oabile says.
She highlights the speed of drug distribution. “Drugs arrive with pre-arranged buyers and are quickly sold. Delayed reporting makes it harder for us to act,” she adds.
Oabile urges the public to report suspicious activities, even without evidence.
“If you see something, say something. Don’t hesitate, even if it involves your own child. Protecting our community and youth requires everyone’s effort,” she stresses.
The police have also launched community programmes to raise awareness. These include educational sessions with Ipelegeng workers, workplaces like Choppies, and Kgotla meetings, partnerships with social workers, and school visits.
“We teach parents to monitor their children’s behaviour, check their bags, and watch for changes in their social circles or academic performance. We also educate students on the dangers of drugs and peer pressure,” Oabile says.
She underscores the importance of vigilance. “We must never be too busy to protect our children. Drugs are destroying lives, and stopping this requires everyone’s involvement,” she says.
Oabile points to the visible impact of drugs on young people.
“We see there is a problem looking at the behaviour of many young people; you will see changes in behaviour, some appear drunk without the smell of alcohol, act hyper, lose inhibitions, or become aggressive. These are clear signs of drug use,” she says.
Despite these signs, catching dealers remains a challenge.
“We conduct raids but often return empty-handed. The biggest hurdle is the lack of timely reporting. By the time we get information, it’s usually too late,” she explains.
In 2024, the station recorded only two cases involving CAT (methcathinone) and 28 cases involving marijuana. Most arrests involve users carrying small quantities, while dealers evade capture.
“When we arrive, suspects scatter, leaving us with drugs but no arrests. Our goal is to catch the kingpins, but they remain elusive,” Oabile says.
She highlights the speed of drug distribution. “Drugs arrive with pre-arranged buyers and are quickly sold. Delayed reporting makes it harder for us to act,” she adds.
Oabile urges the public to report suspicious activities, even without evidence.
“If you see something, say something. Don’t hesitate, even if it involves your own child. Protecting our community and youth requires everyone’s effort,” she stresses.
The police have also launched community programmes to raise awareness. These include educational sessions with Ipelegeng workers, workplaces like Choppies, and Kgotla meetings, partnerships with social workers, and school visits.
“We teach parents to monitor their children’s behaviour, check their bags, and watch for changes in their social circles or academic performance. We also educate students on the dangers of drugs and peer pressure,” Oabile says.
She underscores the importance of vigilance. “We must never be too busy to protect our children. Drugs are destroying lives, and stopping this requires everyone’s involvement,” she says.
