The EFF has voiced concerns over the recent large-scale drug seizures in South Africa, citing the widespread multibillion-rand drug trade as a significant issue.
In recent reports, a haul of cocaine worth over a staggering R252 million was uncovered in the southern Cape, and a few days ago, a monumental stash of crystal meth valued at R300m was seized in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The party said this dire situation highlighted the horrifying reality that the drug trade in South Africa is a multibillion-rand enterprise, sprawling across every corner of the country.
“These ruthless drug lords brazenly flout the law while obliterating the future of our youth and the very fabric of our country. South Africa has become a notorious hub for drug trafficking, facilitated by lax border and harbour controls. It has been evident for some time that those in power and within the South African Police Service (SAPS) are complicit in the drug trade, resulting in a severe lack of effective law enforcement and intelligence operations to combat this scourge.
“Our country has become a free-for-all for international drug syndicates. Recently, a fully operational drug factory was discovered in Mpumalanga, having allegedly functioned undetected for an extended period. It cannot be true that our law enforcement or intelligence system were not aware of its existence.”
The party said that last year, the SAPS demonstrated its efficiency and advanced capabilities during the national shutdown, rapidly deploying drones, weaponry, and overwhelming force to counter potential “unrest” by citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“This starkly contrasts with their glaring absence of action against the rampant drug trade, illegal firearms, and gang violence plaguing South Africa. The discrepancy is unacceptable.
“The EFF has repeatedly highlighted in the parliamentary budget votes for police and security services that crime statistics in this country reveal painfully predictable patterns. The gaps in our system, the key perpetrators, the hotspots, and the critical areas for police and crime intelligence intervention are all glaringly obvious. Yet, our budget is outrageously misallocated, and there are no crime prevention strategies crafted from this vital information. This gross negligence is a betrayal of the people's trust and a direct threat to our nation's safety.
“As the EFF has stated in Parliament, we urgently need an intelligence-led crime prevention strategy, starting with the eradication of corrupt elements within the SAPS, particularly at the senior management level. Detectives must be empowered with sufficient resources to thoroughly investigate crimes, and our judicial system needs to be bolstered to conduct swift trials and deliver deterrent sentences. A robust, uncompromising crime fighting and prevention strategy will not only cleanse our streets of the drugs ravaging our communities but also make South Africa an inhospitable environment for international drug syndicates.”
The party plans to persistently challenge the Minister of Police to develop a comprehensive strategy to eradicate illegal drug manufacturing and imports in South Africa.
“We demand decisive, bold action that will dismantle the drug syndicates that plague our nation. The EFF will not rest until our streets are free from this poison.’’
The Star