Authorities in South Africa are investigating allegations that two Verulam primary school pupils, aged 13 and 11, were recruited to distribute drugs, including mandrax and cocaine. The girls may have also been subjected to sexual exploitation. According to a source close to the investigation, new drug dealers had been infiltrating Verulam after the death of Verulam drug kingpin Anthony 'Tatu' Gounden in April.
The 13-year-old girl, a Grade 7 pupil, reportedly disclosed her involvement in a network linked to the distribution of drugs and the provision of sexual services in the eThekwini area. Prem Balram, head of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), stated that they had body cam footage of the girl's version of how and why she was selling drugs and prostituting herself. The footage was handed over to the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The investigation began after concerns were raised by the principal and two female teachers about the girl's behavior and activities. Staff allegedly observed unknown men stopping in a vehicle near the school fence and handing items to the pupil. Fearing that the activity could place the child and other pupils at risk, the school contacted RUSA. The girl allegedly removed what was believed to have been drugs from her socks and handed them over to the officer.
The 13-year-old girl claimed that she had been recruited by friends to distribute cocaine, rock, and mandrax, and that she had previously been arrested on four occasions, but not detained or criminally charged for drug dealing. She also disclosed that she had been delivering drugs directly to residences and visiting hotels where she provided sexual services. The girl claimed that other girls were involved in the activities and had encouraged her to participate.
The 11-year-old girl was allegedly being used by her father to supply drugs to school children. Investigations into the girl's claims led to information that both children were still in school pending ongoing investigations and still in the custody of their parents. The girls revealed that they were hiding the drugs in the school's fire hydrants and in their socks. The 11-year-old had threatened teachers for reprimanding her.
The Verulam Business Forum has expressed outrage over the revelations of drug trafficking and underage sexual exploitation in primary and secondary schools in the area. Chairperson Roshan Lil-Ruthan stated that the scourge of young girls being used for drug dealing represents the collapse of family values, the breakdown of parental responsibility, and the failure of enforcement agencies to protect children.
Child protection organizations and law enforcement agencies are calling for urgent intervention to address the issue. Adeshni Naicker, director of Childline KZN, emphasized the importance of ensuring the child's immediate safety, providing psychosocial support, and establishing who may have recruited, supplied, or exploited her. A source close to the case revealed that a criminal syndicate, operated by women and men, was soliciting and grooming young girls to distribute drugs.
Key points
- Two Verulam primary school pupils allegedly recruited to distribute drugs and potentially sexually exploited.
- Investigation underway to establish the extent of the drug trafficking and sexual exploitation network.
- Community and child protection organizations call for urgent intervention to address the issue.
