The shocking scale of drug activity in the Eastern Cape has been laid bare by the latest provincial crime statistics, and confirmed by the MEC of Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, in a parliamentary reply. Together, these reports expose a province-wide problem, with persistent drug dens and the ongoing presence of highly addictive substances in communities year after year.
In response to questions from the Democratic Alliance, MEC Nqatha confirmed the presence of hundreds of identified drug dens in Sarah Baartman, Chris Hani, Nelson Mandela Bay, and OR Tambo, with raids uncovering substances ranging from cannabis and mandrax to high-harm drugs such as tik, nyaope, and heroin.
Download IQP response
The response stated the Sarah Baartman District has 311 identified drug dens, followed by the Chris Hani District, with 137 dens, Nelson Mandela Bay District with 47 dens, and OR Tambo District with 19.
While other districts reported no recorded drug dens, the true extent of the problem is believed to be far greater. These figures reflect police action, not comprehensive surveys, meaning that areas with no recorded dens are more likely to be under-policed than drug-free.
Year-on-year data provided shows that once a drug takes hold in a community, it often remains part of the local market unless actively disrupted. The repeated appearance of tik and nyaope, in particular, points to deeply entrenched supply chains that continue to damage families, fuel violent crime, and erode community safety.
This picture is reinforced by the Q4 2024/25 crime statistics, which showed a 12.2% increase in drug-related crimes detected through police action compared to the same quarter last year. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs also saw a significant spike of 22.5%. Where enforcement is applied, significant drug activity is uncovered.
The DA will table an urgent motion in the Provincial Legislature compelling MEC Nqatha to work with law enforcement authorities to implement a province-wide, intelligence-driven anti-drug strategy within the next six months. This must include clear operational targets for every district, a mandate to dismantle entrenched supply networks, and a funded rehabilitation and prevention programme in partnership with the Department of Social Development.
As state-run rehabilitation services are currently limited to a single facility in the province, the motion will also include a request for a feasibility study and rollout plan to be developed that will see the establishment of at least one dedicated, publicly accessible treatment centre in each policing district by the end of the 7th term.
Communities across the Eastern Cape deserve the same level of protection and opportunity to break free from the grip of drugs.
The people of the Eastern Cape deserve safe streets, healthy communities, and the assurance that no town or village is left to face the scourge of drugs alone.