Shadley Adams, Bokmakierie resident, is rolling up his sleeves and is trying to find solutions to the crime in the area.
Recently the area has been all over the news following a fatal shooting, robberies and thefts (“Vandals wreak mayhem,” People’s Post, 7 May). That is when Adams realised something needed to be done and started a free rehabilitation programme with a retired nurse. They meet every week at the Mosque Khaleel on Saturdays at 14:00.
It is open to anyone affected by drugs and substance abuse and focuses on giving support and help to those affected.
It has been running since last month and Adams says it is mostly the affected family members that attend sessions.
“We can assure the community that the rehabilitation is there to help them by providing a safe space,” says Adams.
He says no one is allowed to judge anyone and they treat everyone equally.
“Advanced expertise will be needed, but we do not want to rush to involve other stakeholders before building a relationship with our people,” he says.
Adams says there is a lot happening in the community and it is not only those involved in the social ills that suffer the consequences. He says it is mostly the young people up to the age of 25 that are involved and are losing lives in the shootings.
Adams adds, those that are not dead are trapped in drugs, smoking and using them in broad daylight, creating an impression that it is acceptable to do.
He says the residents need to bring about change in their community and hopes to get positive support from anyone in a position to contribute towards the programme.