A march opposing drug use in Mabopane was organised by parents from a community movement called “Abo Mama Besililo” following the death of their children.
They marched to Mabopane Police Station to hand in their memorandum which is dedicated to fighting, as a community, against the pandemic that kills youth.
During an anti-drug march, parents chanted songs condemning child drug use in the streets and the sale of drugs in the township. The march was prompted by the death of Thamsanqa Mkhabela and Mpho Phalafa who are the recent victims of drugs.
At the police station, the women prayed to seek divine guidance as they came together to unite against uncontrollable drug use in their community. They demanded police intervention to stop the drug trade, implement rotational police staff, and increase the visibility of Crime Prevention Wardens.
The death of the two led the community to take action against the high rate of drug use in the area by conducting a Drug Awareness Day campaign.
Tabe Rapholo, one of the leaders of “Abo Mama Besililo” explained that their movement stands as a voice of the community against all kinds of abuse, even substance abuse.
“As women, we are tired of bearing nothing. We hope our children will grow and take care of us, but that hope is taken away.
Molly Tladi,”Abo Mama Besililo” leader said, “We have given the Police 14 days to intervene in dealing with the problem we are facing. It is unbearable to lose a child before you could see their potential.
“The sad part is that people who sell drugs are not using them, People consider drug distribution as a business, not realising its impact on youth. ” Tladi added.
The memorandum was received by Station Commander Lieutenant Kennel Monyamane.. He promised the community to try to meet their demands, although some will be escalated to the upper management.
The prayer march was a success and the community gathered in support of their demands. They showed grievance and lament in black attire, crying for their loss.
The community leaders spoke about the importance of the day, noting that the drug usage rate was increasing every day among the youth in Mabopane.
