A security officer discovered the drugs, which were kept in sweet and biscuit containers, being sold to schoolchildren by a street vendor on Wick Street in the Verulam CBD. The man was arrested by officers from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) last Monday and handed over to police in Verulam. However, he was allegedly released hours after his arrest, sparking concerns from the community about the effectiveness of the police.
Prem Balram, head of RUSA, alleged that the man was found with drugs and about R3,500 in cash after a pupil admitted purchasing cannabis from him. The suspect operated under the pretext of selling biscuits and sweets. The community is questioning the circumstances surrounding his release, with many demanding answers from the police and the justice system.
Rachel Wilkin, spokesperson for the Verulam Community Police Forum (CPF), expressed deep concern that the man was reportedly released shortly after his arrest. She said the man had allegedly resumed the same activity in the Verulam CBD. The CPF is calling for accountability and transparency from the relevant authorities, urging the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to clarify what transpired.
Wilkin also suggested that overcrowding in prisons might have influenced the decision to release the suspect, which she believes needs further exploration. She called on the municipality to strengthen oversight of street trading to ensure public spaces remain lawful and safe, particularly for scholars and other vulnerable members of the community.
The Verulam Business Forum has expressed outrage and disappointment at the "shocking turn of events" following the man's arrest. Roshan Lil-Ruthan, chairperson of the forum, described the suspect's release as "a staggering betrayal of justice." He said the forum had written to the station commander, Brigadier Khethiwe Makhathini, requesting her intervention and investigation.
Lil-Ruthan escalated the matter to the relevant child protection units, the Department of Social Development, and the community safety and liaison department. He emphasized that the safety of children and citizens must be paramount and demanded urgent answers and accountability from SAPS and the justice system. The forum is seeking governance accountability from SAPS and the justice cluster to expose and dismantle corruption enablers.
The Verulam Business Forum will not relent until decisive action is taken to ensure community safety is prioritized above bureaucratic failures, and youth are protected from drugs by repeat offenders being removed from the streets. SAPS had not commented at the time of publication. The incident has sparked concerns about the connection between law enforcement, the community, and the justice system.
Key points
- The suspect was found with drugs and R3,500 in cash.
- The community is demanding accountability and transparency from the police and justice system.
- The incident has raised concerns about corruption and the safety of children in Verulam.
