Mitchells Plain residents say used needles filled with blood and illegal drugs have been found at children’s playgrounds in recent weeks.
Bahia Claasen, a neighbourhood watch member, and other residents who live near Winterhoek Park in Tafelsig, have found more than 40 of these used needles.
“The drug users told us they get the needles from the hospital staff but I’ve heard they get it from a programme where they exchange the used needles for clean ones,” says Bahia, adding that they didn’t know such a programme existed.
“We found these needles in Winterhoek Park where children were playing, some kids were playing with the needles.
“Some of the needles contained drugs and blood, we also found a user sleeping in the park with needles.”
She advised parents in the area to take their children to the clinic and get them tested.
“These kids have a right to play in the park and these users take away their right to a safe playground,” Bahia adds.
The Daily Voice has learnt that drug addicts are being issued with needles by the TB and HIV Care Association.
The association has been running the programme named Step Up since December 2019.
It’s aimed at reducing the risks associated with drug abuse, such as users using and sharing contaminated needles thus putting them more at risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
The Step Up Project provides a package of wellness services which includes sterile needles, HIV testing and screening, and psychosocial services.
Alison Best, a spokesperson of the TB and HIV Care Association, confirmed that the needles found at Winterhoek Park are from their Step Up project.
“Our team is aware of the incident and has been in contact with the residents who reported it,” she tells the Daily Voice.
“We have collected the needles and syringes and have arranged to do regular pick-ups in the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“The first pick-up happened on Tuesday, 25 May.
“We also left a container and picker with residents so that they have the equipment to collect the needles safely should they see any between our visits.
“We are of course happy to collect all the waste to ensure a safer environment,“ says Best.