ARE police turning a blind eye on drug peddling in Empangeni?
That is the question as residents complain tents erected as street barbershops in the middle of town and at various taxi ranks have became headquarters for major drug operations.
Drug dealers and users disguised as hairdressers apparently conduct their illegal business in broad daylight in front of commuters and shoppers.
According to people in the area, the peddling of whoonga, dagga, mandrax and even cocaine is on the rise, especially in Byrne Road.
‘Everyone knows who and what these people are, and we believe some officers benefit from them in terms of bribes,’ said a vendor at the A-Rank.
Deals are reportedly conducted only 500 metres from the police station.
‘These activities have become the norm and are mostly ignored by police. Not that they don’t know about it, but they obviously decided to turn a blind eye,’ another vendor told the Zululand Observer.
The 28-year-old, wishing to remain anonymous for fear of being victimised, said she even fears for her life and is now forced to be ‘friends’ with the dealers.
‘Sometimes I wish I can tell them what they are doing is wrong, but who knows what they will do to me?
‘I am even scared to inform the police, just in case they have friends there,’ she said.
A man disguised as a handcraft merchant between Spur and Nando’s restaurants has also been identified as selling R10 dagga packages to minors.
Reports suggest police have raided the area several times and come back empty handed, but witnesses said the dealer doesn’t keep the merchandise with him. His ‘customers’ pick up their packages at a different location.
According to Empangeni police spokesperson Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose, his team has in the past been informed of activities at Byrne Road, and ‘the situation seems to have died down’.
‘Patrols are conducted in the area to ensure it is safe for shoppers and that no illegal activities are happening.
‘We plead with citizens to report these matters to our police station in order for us to tackle them.
‘With the festive season approaching, we rely on citizens to work with us to curb the rising crime wave,’ said Mdlalose.
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