At least three Durban children have been rushed to hospital after taking the lethal drug “Mercedes”‚ just days after police promised to crack down on partying school children planning on taking drugs at “pens down” parties.
Although details are sketchy‚ it appears the children took the drug during Friday or Saturday. Earlier this year‚ at least seven pupils died and 50 in were taken to hospital after taking the synthetic drug.
On Saturday‚ KwaZulu-Natal social development department spokesman Vukani Mbhele said that three children from KwaMashu‚ north of the city‚ had been hospitalised.
“We’re still investigating and trying to get some more information. For now‚ we don’t have many details [except] that three kids were hospitalised‚” he said.
Mbhele said that communities needed to get involved to curb the seemingly rampant growth of the drug.
“It’s becoming a problem. It’s a battle that we cannot win alone. If parents don’t do their job of parenting‚ and I’m not saying this in the case with this incident‚ but in general‚ we will have an even bigger problem‚” he said.
On Wednesday‚ KZN police promised a crack-down on children who drank and partied during the mid-year break‚ which started in the province on Friday.
“Following the recent incidents of pupils being involved in school closing party holidays‚ KwaZulu-Natal police are sending a stern warning to those who will be attending these parties that they must behave themselves and not get into trouble with the law. Police will be deployed in most hotspot areas and beaches to make sure that those who use drugs and alcohol in public places will be arrested‚” said SAPS spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane.
He said police wanted to ensure pupils had fun in a safe environment.
“We appeal to the youth to behave themselves. They should not use drugs or alcohol‚ and those who will be found consuming drugs or alcohol will be arrested. Police will be deployed in all recreation parks to monitor and ensure that no alcohol is used in those areas‚” said Zwane.
At least three Durban children hospitalised after taking lethal ‘Mercedes’ drug
At least three Durban children have been rushed to hospital after taking the lethal drug “Mercedes”‚ just days after police promised to crack down on partying school children planning on taking drugs at “pens down” parties.
Although details are sketchy‚ it appears the children took the drug during Friday or Saturday. Earlier this year‚ at least seven pupils died and 50 in were taken to hospital after taking the synthetic drug.
On Saturday‚ KwaZulu-Natal social development department spokesman Vukani Mbhele said that three children from KwaMashu‚ north of the city‚ had been hospitalised.
“We’re still investigating and trying to get some more information. For now‚ we don’t have many details [except] that three kids were hospitalised‚” he said.
Mbhele said that communities needed to get involved to curb the seemingly rampant growth of the drug.
“It’s becoming a problem. It’s a battle that we cannot win alone. If parents don’t do their job of parenting‚ and I’m not saying this in the case with this incident‚ but in general‚ we will have an even bigger problem‚” he said.
On Wednesday‚ KZN police promised a crack-down on children who drank and partied during the mid-year break‚ which started in the province on Friday.
“Following the recent incidents of pupils being involved in school closing party holidays‚ KwaZulu-Natal police are sending a stern warning to those who will be attending these parties that they must behave themselves and not get into trouble with the law. Police will be deployed in most hotspot areas and beaches to make sure that those who use drugs and alcohol in public places will be arrested‚” said SAPS spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane.
He said police wanted to ensure pupils had fun in a safe environment.
“We appeal to the youth to behave themselves. They should not use drugs or alcohol‚ and those who will be found consuming drugs or alcohol will be arrested. Police will be deployed in all recreation parks to monitor and ensure that no alcohol is used in those areas‚” said Zwane.
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