PLANS TO RID 'HELL HOLE' OF DRUGLORDS

In a community rife with unemployment and social ills, plans are under way
to improve life for the residents of Elandspoort, an area which has been
described as a "drug hell hole".

Residents have been up in arms over the most recent killing of a mother of
four who was shot in her house by men who many believe to have been druglords.

Community Policing Forum chairman Don Vorster and the former Tshwane
Metropolitan ward councillor in the area, Jackie Underwood, agree that
drugs are the community's biggest problem.

"It's a major problem in neighbouring suburb Lotus Gardens and it is now
also starting to affect us in a big way," Vorster said.

Underwood said she was aware of the "massive" problem, particularly, among
the youth.

She said the ward committee had established a sub-committee that dealt
exclusively with the drug problem in the area and they were petitioning the
council to open a drug rehabilitation centre in the area.

The Metro Police were also investigating a possible drug cartel in Lotus
Gardens, which might have links with people in Elandspoort, she said.

Ward councillor Gabriel Twala said police were working closely with schools
in the area to educate youngsters to say no to drugs.

"We are aware that the problem needs to be addressed and are seeking
support from all who can help."

But the acting principal of Ho'rskool Elandspoort, Sarel du Toit, said the
school was not aware of any drug problems.

"I am, however, not aware in what activities they might be involved in
after school."

Police spokesman Inspector Anton Breedt said the drug scene was not any
worse than in other neighbourhoods in Pretoria.

"Waterkloof probably has a bigger problem."

The community has a different view though.

"The druglords are taking over and if we don't stop them our children will
suffer the most," said resident Elsa Havenga.

She believes Elize Labuschagne (33) will not be the last person to die and
said alcoholism and drugs were the root of most of the criminal activity in
the area.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said youngsters who stood on
corners often burnt fires to indicate drugs were sold there.

Drugs ranged from glue and dagga to ecstasy and many children, even in
primary school, were experimenting, said Underwood.

Labuschagne's aunt, Catherine Janse van Rensburg, said children as young as
13 use drugs and become addicted.

"I was shocked when I found out a 15-year-old relative of mine had bought
dagga and said it was easily accessible," she said.

Labuschagne was targeted for her stance against the "druglords" and had
physically confronted some of them a few hours before she was shot inside
her house, her family said.

Breedt could not confirm if the killing was drug-related. "It has been
alleged that the killers were drug sellers but we cannot yet confirm that,"
he said.

Two men believed to be the killers of Labuschagne were arrested during a
police raid in Laudium yesterday, reports Graeme Hosken.

The suspects, in their late 20s, were captured after police from the
Pretoria Flying Squad received information that two men, wanted for the
murder, were hiding out in a house in the area.

Breedt said that when police stormed the house they found both men. They
were yesterday moved to another "safe house", sources said.

Breedt said the men were taken into custody. "Both men will be appearing in
the Pretoria Magistrate's Court later this week," he said.

He said the investigation would reveal the motive for the killing.