Do not accept drinks from strangers

Offered beverages may turn out to be spiked

HUMAN rights organisation Triangle Project has warned club goers to be on the lookout for strangers offering free drinks, as these may turn out to be spiked.

This comes after at least two incidents led to sexual assaults in venues in the CBD and Parow area over the past two months, according to the organisation’s health and support services manager Sharon Cox.

“A stranger may strike up a conversation with you and offer you a drink. As the drink is passed to you, the person keeps you engaged while spiking the drink. The bartender may pass you a drink and let you know it is from another patron. This may seem flattering but may be sinister,” she said.

The drugs used in spiking drinks were undetectable once put into a drink, she said.

“Rohypnol, also known as the date rape drug, is used. Heroin and cocaine are known to have been used, as well as GHB, Valium and eye drops.

“Eye Drops were popular and it’s unclear as to whether it remains so, but many clubs with security would remove eye drops from patrons carrying them.

“Like the other drugs, eye drops have no smell and are clear, but one would need to ingest a fair amount for it to have the same effect that a relatively small dose of Rohypnol, for example, has,” said Cox.

She said people generally spiked drinks with the intention of stealing belongings but, more worryingly, others did so to commit sexual assault.

“Two accounts of sexual assault have been reported to us over the past two months. If those are the reported cases, it is highly likely that there are many more that have gone unreported. People are often afraid to come forward to report these incidents, as often people have been out enjoying themselves and have had drinks. It is important for people to know that going out and having drinks is not a crime, but spiking drinks is.”

“The festive season is almost upon us. It is better to be prepared for a night out and know how to keep yourself safe as far as possible. Friends can look out for each other to ensure that others in the group are safe. Do not let that friend leave with a stranger,” she said.

As the drink is passed to you, the person keeps you engaged while spiking the drink

Sharon Cox, Triangle Services