Residents of Bellville South in Cape Town are worried after two people were rushed to the hospital — one a teenager, the other an adult — following suspected drug‑laced sweets sold locally. The Western Cape Police say they know about the case but no criminal charge has been filed yet.
Local Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Mr David Cecil, says they learned of the danger last week. “We will meet the police soon to plan a response. Our social crimes officer will act quickly,” he told reporters, adding the forum will start a community awareness campaign to warn parents and guardians.
According to local health officials, the sweets might contain strong drugs that caused serious reactions in the victims. The teenager is now in stable condition, while the adult remains under observation. Medical and toxicology reports are being processed. Investigators believe the sweets may have been spiked with powerful sedatives or stimulants.
Mr Cecil urged everyone in Bellville South to be vigilant. He warned residents to report any suspicious sweets sold at tuck shops, informal street vendors, or corner stores. “Before anyone knows it, more children or adults could become victims,” he said, calling for community action.
The CPF suggests several steps to address the threat:
Hold a joint meeting between CPF members and local police to review facts and plan action.
Mobilise the forum’s social crimes officer to lead awareness efforts.
Distribute flyers and posters to help people identify fake or suspicious sweets.
Conduct door‑to‑door visits by trained community volunteers in homes and schools.
Request police patrols around informal stalls and vendor points.
Urge local shops to verify suppliers and check packaging before selling.
Police spokesperson confirmed officers visited Bellville South to investigate the incidents. Though no arrests have been made, CCTV footage is being reviewed and witnesses are being interviewed. The police emphasised that distributing harmful substances is a serious offence under South African law and is being treated with utmost importance.
Mrs Thandi Ngubo, a worried mother, shared her concerns: “I sent my son to buy sweets after school, only to learn he was lucky not to be hospitalised. What is in these sweets? Who is selling them?” Her question captures the fear echoing through the community.
Mr Cecil reminded residents that two years ago, in nearby Ottery, sweets laced with dagga (marijuana) caused several children to fall ill. The vendor was arrested. That incident showed how quickly regulators and policing forums needed to step in when such dangers appear.
The Bellville South CPF and local authorities urge parents and caregivers to watch for sudden changes in children’s behaviour — such as excessive drowsiness, confusion, nausea, or mood swings — and to seek medical help if needed. Mr Cecil stressed that the effort is not about blaming anyone, but working together to keep the community safe. “Our children’s safety is everyone’s duty,” he said.
Police have asked anyone with information — whether about the sweets’ source, sellers, or unwell people — to contact the Bellville South CPF or the nearest police station. A CPF hotline has also been set up for tips. Officers ask for as much detail as possible: dates, times, and descriptions of any suspicious activity.
As the investigation continues, residents of Bellville South are preparing to join hands with police and community leaders in awareness drives, patrols, and public meetings. Their goal is to restore trust, protect children, and prevent any repeat of this worrying event.
