VOSMAN – In a significant crackdown on drug-related activities, the police in Vosman, Emalahleni, apprehended 16 suspects involved in drug dealing on March 10. The arrests were made as part of Operation Shanela, a targeted initiative aimed at combating the illicit drug trade within the community. This decisive action comes in response to a complaint lodged by concerned residents of Vosman, highlighting the detrimental impact of drug supply on their children and the wider community. Emalahleni’s alarming status as the second-highest drug-consuming region in the country underscores the urgency and necessity of such law enforcement efforts to tackle this pressing issue.
Speaking with the Highveld Chronicle, Vosman police station spokesperson Captain Elizabeth Hlathi said, “The community has been complaining about drugs and its devastating effects on their children, and for that reason, police, together with the community, are working to rid the streets of drugs, hence the arrests as well as the recoveries.” “All the suspects were arrested in different areas around Vosman, including Extensions 9, 10, and 11 as well as Hlalanikahle and Phase 4. During the operation, four suspects were arrested for rape, three for assault with the intention to cause serious bodily harm (GBH), one suspect was also not spared for murder,” she added.
All suspects appeared before the Witbank magistrate court on Tuesday, March 12, and have been remanded in custody. Their case has been postponed to March 19 for a formal bail application. Speaking on behalf of the community, Thabo Mabena said, “We are tired as a community of the people who are selling drugs to our children. Our children are not safe at all.” “Now those drugs, like nyaope, are also being sold at schools. We want a better life for our children and a better community,” he said. “We are happy as a community that the police are doing their job, and we are hoping for more arrests. The streets are now dirty because of the people selling drugs,” he added.
