Residents of Saldanha Bay have expressed concerns that substance abuse is the primary catalyst for the high crime rate in their community. Locals believe that unless the entire community actively participates in the fight against crime, the issue will continue to escalate.
As part of their ongoing efforts, several community members are attending the trial related to the kidnapping and human trafficking of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing in the area. One of the accused, Jacquin Apollis, has reportedly told police that he was under the influence of drugs with friends on the day of Smith’s disappearance.
Community members are calling for increased awareness and collective action to address both the crime and substance abuse problems that they say are deeply intertwined.