PAGAD: ONE MERCHANT, ONE BULLET

Despite wet weather, People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad) took to
the streets of Bonteheuwel to march against crime and drug use in the area.

The "taking back the streets march" on Sunday was attended by about 200
marchers who sang and shouted Pagad slogans such as "Down with drug lords -
Free Pagad prisoners".

The Pagad marchers were almost outnumbered by police, City Police and
traffic officers.

Although there were no reports of violence, Pagad members hurled abuse at
those they suspect of being drug dealers.

'People of the area have requested us to come here'

At a house in Dissel Street police had to form a line to prevent Pagad
members trying to move closer to a "home of a dealer".

They stood there for about five minutes shouting at the men and women
standing in front of the gate.

At times, when marchers passed by other houses they suspected drugs were
sold from, they would shout the slogan: "One merchant, one bullet".

Faizah Parker, the spokesperson for the march, said: "People of the area
have requested us to come here because their children were being affected by
drugs and violent crimes associated with them."

Parker also called on the government to get rid of dealers in the townships.
"When mothers call police to crime scenes they are told there is no manpower
but here we are marching for peace and against drugs and the police come in
big numbers," said an angry Parker.

In Athlone they had visited several schools.

On Youth Day on Wednesday, Pagad will be hosting a youth and children's day
to spread the word about the dangers of using drugs.