Diepsloot residents protest over drug abuse

Johannesburg - Residents in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, protested over drug abuse in the area on Wednesday evening, Gauteng police said.

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"Eight scrap metal and gold and diamond exchange outlets were damaged by the community. These operated from the local residential yards," said spokesperson Warrant Officer Daniel Mavimbela.

Around 200 people had marched to the police station earlier and handed over an alleged drug dealer.

The residents then attempted to barricade William Nicol Drive, but police managed to contain the situation.

Mavimbela said the residents suspected that the outlets contributed to the scourge of substance abuse.

"Though law enforcement agencies close down these illegal outlets on a continuous basis, some re-emerge within the area."

"Police are appealing to the community to report incidents of crime and discourage illegal operations," he said.