​Last Friday, 12 May 2023, scores of residents took to the streets of Tokoza in Ekurhuleni to highlight the problem of drugs in area. They also sent a warning to all drug dealers and drug lords in the area.
The March was organised by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with Tsohang Youth Project, Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD), South African Police Services (SAPS) and other law enforcers such as Community Policing Forum (CPF), GBV Brigades and recently introduced Crime Prevention Wardens.
According to Community Development Supervisor in Ekurhuleni Region, Nomthandazo Maphumulo, the march was aimed at creating awareness.
"This awareness march was intended to educate the community about all legal channels to follow when fighting the scourge of drugs and substance abuse. Furthermore, the aim was to wipe out drugs in Tokoza," said Maphumulo.
"We are happy that the community was able to witness the new Crime Prevention Wardens. The march was 4km and we stopped at various hotspots where presentations were made by different stakeholders," she added.
The Tokoza CPF, Chairperson and Community Leader, Moeketsi Motaung said, "We took part in this awareness march because as CPF in the area because we always try to do awareness sessions to address the scourge of drug abuse. Today, it was a very important day, particularly working collaboratively with law enforcement at large."
Member of Parliament (MP) deployed in Katlehong and Tokoza, Phuthas Tseki added, "Our program for today is to raise awareness against drugs and we are calling on everyone who is affected or infected to join us and tell their story so that they can be assisted."