Residents in Dryvale Place, Rydalvale, have started a petition against the alleged sale of drugs on their road and are calling for law enforcement to take urgent action.
Residents allege that a house at the beginning of their road was recently purchased by the owner of an alleged drug den called “Barnyard” and they are afraid that the plan is to turn the house into a drug den as well. The residents of Dryvale said that they will not back down in the fight against drugs and plan to present the petition to Phoenix SAPS, the CPF and other law enforcement officials. In an exclusive interview with The Phoenix Tabloid, concerned residents said on Tuesday, 25 May, that they approached the house situated at the beginning of Dryvale Road where major renovations were being done. They claim that they asked to speak to the occupants to enquire about the alleged sale of drugs. “The occupants said that they will come outside “just now” but they did not come out. They shouted from inside the house that the sale of drugs is a free enterprise. Then approximately 30-50 men and women appeared with sticks, knives and guns to attack the residents. They threatened the community, and made comments that they will burn everything. They left when the police appeared. The occupants of the house shouted that police cannot do anything,” claimed one of the residents.
The community said they do not mind people living in the house, but they do not want the sale of drugs taking place on their street. “We are concerned about our children getting into drugs and the effect this will have on our families, our homes and our community,” said another resident. According to the residents, the house is currently empty except at certain times. “The house is situated at the corner of a busy main road – Longbury Drive and is near primary and high schools. We have to walk or drive past the house as it is the first house on the road. At the corner of the house, our children take transport to school and adults go to work. The park is opposite the house where “runners” hang around. “Runners” are using the park to ply their trade,” claimed a resident. Many residents were born in the area and have lived on the street since 1980. They say the street was always kept clean and safe to live in and they do not wish to see it run down. “We are trying to nip the problem in the bud and not let it go further. We as a community are fighting for our rights and the lives of our children. We will not give up until something is done. If Phoenix SAPS cannot handle this problem then we will escalate it,” said the community.
Ward 49 community leader representing the Minorities of South Africa (MOSA) Ronnie Veeran said, “The large number of people, comprising several women and learners from every household in Dryvale Place, came together on Tuesday to show their opposition to this practice, is a clear signal that they were not going to take this lying down.” Veeran said that while residents’ emotions were running high, they did not take the law into their own hands and chose instead to show their disgust by signing a petition which they will hand over to the relevant authorities. “Their (the residents) actions are a response by a community fed up experiencing the devastating effects of drugs on life and property especially in Rydalvale. As a resident of Rydalvale, I can fully identify with them,” said Veeran. Umesh Singh, the chairperson of Phoenix CPF, said, “Nobody can stop people from buying and living where they wish, however, if the activities taking place in the house are a problem then the community have a right to take a stand. The CPF is proud of the community for taking a stand. If they think that the police is slow to act then must contact the CPF. We will get involved.” He said a collaborated effort is required from all law enforcement parties and from the community to combat the scourge of drugs that has affected society. “Drugs are all about getting rich in a way that is harmful to drug users and to others. However, the community should not lose faith and trust in the police,” said Singh.
