THE non-classification of nyaope as an illegal drug is undermining efforts to fight the war against crime, says Gauteng social development MEC Nandi Maya-thula-Khoza.
"Addicts often become involved in crime and prostitution in order to get their next hit. It also heightens sexual desires, which is thought to be behind the rise in rape cases in the townships," she said in a statement.
"If nothing is done, we will be defiling the fundamental principles of a safe environment for all," Mayathula-Khoza said.
She said the classification of nyaope as an illegal drug would inevitably result in reducing the crimes associated with the substance.
"This would help lessen the financial load of drug treatment and would be able to redirect these funds into more important priorities, such as improving education and awareness, which has been found to be strongly linked to the reduction of crime."
According to police figures, 60% of crimes nationally were related to substance abuse and nyaope users constituted a substantial number of abusers.
"Last year in Gauteng alone, 25 949 drug-related crimes were recorded and nyaope users are typically between the ages of 13 and 19," she said.
Nyaope, a powder-like substance, is a mixture of rat poison, heroin and anti-retroviral medications, among others.
Non-classified Nyaope undermining efforts to fight war against crime
THE non-classification of nyaope as an illegal drug is undermining efforts to fight the war against crime, says Gauteng social development MEC Nandi Maya-thula-Khoza.
"Addicts often become involved in crime and prostitution in order to get their next hit. It also heightens sexual desires, which is thought to be behind the rise in rape cases in the townships," she said in a statement.
"If nothing is done, we will be defiling the fundamental principles of a safe environment for all," Mayathula-Khoza said.
She said the classification of nyaope as an illegal drug would inevitably result in reducing the crimes associated with the substance.
"This would help lessen the financial load of drug treatment and would be able to redirect these funds into more important priorities, such as improving education and awareness, which has been found to be strongly linked to the reduction of crime."
According to police figures, 60% of crimes nationally were related to substance abuse and nyaope users constituted a substantial number of abusers.
"Last year in Gauteng alone, 25 949 drug-related crimes were recorded and nyaope users are typically between the ages of 13 and 19," she said.
Nyaope, a powder-like substance, is a mixture of rat poison, heroin and anti-retroviral medications, among others.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos