Nhathi: tough drug questions for Oscar

The community of Mdantsane s Zone 8 on Monday called on premier Oscar Mabuyane and his government to decisively deal with the growing problem of drug abuse in their area.

They blamed this social ill as a main contributing factor in the death of six-year-old Ayabukwa Nhathi Mhlahlo, whose lifeless body was found metres from her home with a stab wound in the neck.

Mabuyane, BCM mayor Xola Pakati, council speaker Humphrey Maxhegwana and human settlements MEC Nonkqubela Pieters, led a large delegation that included other ANC heavyweights, police top brass, and community members during a visit to Ayabukwa s family.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Bishop Simphiwe Rasimeni urged Mabuyane and the police to up the ante in fighting drug abuse in their neighborhood, saying dealing with mere drug users was tantamount to treating a symptom ”.

Rasimeni said the community can apprehend those who abuse drugs, but that would not help if drug lords were not dealt with decisively.

Mabuyane said such claims of mushrooming drug lords in the area were a serious concern and he promised to act.

He said Ayabukwa s death has pained him and his government. He urged men to be in the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence before all are classified as animals ”.

Police captain Bonisile Jidane told Mabuyane and Ayabukwa s family that they have since taken 198 DNA tests in the area and that they were still waiting for results to determine if anyone could be linked to the young girl s killing.

Pakati said the municipality was working closely with the family on funeral preparations.

On Sunday, police confirmed that a man in his 20s had been assaulted and killed during a mob justice incident on Friday afternoon. Ayabukwa s memorial service will be held at Zuzile Junior Primary on Tuesday and the funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.