Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jul 2008
Source: Sowetan (South Africa)
Copyright: 2008 Sowetan
Contact:  http://www.sowetan.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4558
Author: Sibongile Mashaba

SCHOOL KIDS MARCH AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

Thousands of school pupils marched against drugs yesterday but a man
in a silver Clio was left high and dry when the cops bust him with
narcotics in his car.

The Lenasia children, from 11 schools in the area, were led by the
march director, Leonard Spider.

He said: “We have been experiencing a serious problem with drugs in
the area.

“This is just the beginning.

“Drugs are now penetrating our schools and the bad thing is that
primary school children are also exposed to this.”

He was very happy with the turnout for the march which purposefully
snaked through the streets where the drug lords live.

“The march shows unity, which is strength,” Spider said. “Together we
will eradicate criminal activities in our communities.”

A Grade 8 pupil from Lenasia High School, Nizaam Ansary, 13, said:
“Drugs are bad for people, particularly children.

“The most popular drug used in our area is ecstacy which they put into
someone’s drink.

“Heroine and cocaine are also used here.”

Refiloe Tsotsetsi, a Grade 10 pupil from MH Joobus Secondary School
said she did not know much about drugs “but I do know that they are
bad for an individual’s cells”.

The pupils carried placards with messages such as: “You kill our
children ” and “Drugs don’t take stress away”.

They certainly added to the stress of the man in the
Clio.

Police spokesman Captain Mpande Khoza said he has not been charged yet
as police are still questioning him.

He said, however, that the march was peaceful and orderly.
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MAP posted-by: dan