Pilot study : Investigating the chemical composition of illegal drugs and the associated prevalence of the different drug types in the Bellville and Athlone police districts in the Western Cape, South Africa

Very little chemical information is known about substances being abused in South-Africa. This can be attributed to the fact that possession of drugs constitutes a criminal offence. Not much research is done, and with the exception of self-reported, rehabilitation institution data, from the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU) and the South African Police drug related arrest data, no other data on drugs and drug use, is publically available. Drugs are being manufactured from legal and illegal chemicals in clandestine laboratories, not complying with any health, safety or quality standards causing a serious health risk in communities. The strategy for the fight against drug abuse in South Africa, the National Drug Master Plan 2013-2017 (NDMP), is compiled by the Central Drug Authority (CDA). Without proper research, data to base decisions and strategies on and proper measuring of achievements, the implementation of the plan suffers as a consequence. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) of the South African Police Service (SAPS), is responsible for the chemical testing of substances, suspected of being illegal drugs, for identification purposes. This supports the prosecuting of suspects during criminal procedures. With the active ingredient known, the use of street names e.g. Tik, Choef or Speed (all referring to methamphetamine) can be abandoned and confusion and misconceptions eliminated. This pilot study investigates the arrest data, in combination with the charge laid against the arrestee and the chemically identified active ingredient in each case. Arrest data revealed a 400% increase in drug related arrests over the last 10 years, while the NDMP requires a 10% decrease. It further highlights the fact that the measurement of success (number of arrests) in the SAPS, resulted in a focus on arresting persons in possession of drugs. The dealers and manufacturers were not adequately addressed and prevention, through chemical monitoring, suffered as a result. This study also clearly revealed that international trends are not a definite indication of the extent and type of drug abuse in South African Communities. The study further attempts to contribute, and to better describe the situation of drugs and drug abuse in communities. This in turn, will provide data to develop evidence based strategies, designed to meet the defined needs of communities, one of the aspects highlighted by the minister in the NDMP, namely an intervention based on reality and local statistics. It is therefore clear that a scientific understanding of the composition of abused substances can direct treatment, policy, prevention measures and provide intelligence to combat drug abuse and illegal drug manufacturing in South Africa

The pH Levels of Different Methamphetamine Drug Samples on the Street Market in Cape Town

The purpose of this study was to determine the pH levels of 29 different samples of methamphetamine on the street market in Cape Town. The sample was dissolved in water and the pH of each sample determined. The pH levels varied from 3.02 to 7.03 with an average of 5.0. Seventy-two percent (21) of the samples had a pH level below the saliva “critical pH point of 5.6” and therefore should cause significant damage to enamel, especially in hyposalivation subjects without a saliva flow. However, about 26% of the samples had a pH level close to the neutral point and should cause minor damage to enamel. To lessen enamel damage, subjects should exercise good oral hygiene practice, rinse with a fluoride-containing mouth rinse, drink artificially sweetened drinks, and eat cheese. It is concluded that most of the methamphetamine samples have a low enough pH to cause direct damage to enamel especially in hyposalivation subjects

Die aard en omvang van stres onder personeel verbonde aan die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens: Honde-eenheid in Durban (Afrikaans)

Stress is no new phenomenon, but became one of the leading causes of personnel turnover and increasing production cost in the twentieth century. A very large amount of studies have done on stress to create a deeper understanding of the causes, as well as the effects of stress. The purpose of this study therefore is to gain knowledge as to the nature and scope of stress experienced by members of the South African Police Service Dog unit in Durban. The South African Police Service have undergone 'n total change and this change, as any other, has not gone without problems. It is natural human nature to avoid change, and this has led to the fact that certain members have found the changes quite easy to adapt to, but others have not adapted to the new ways. Said changes have also taken place in the Dog unit in Durban. This specialized unit within the South African Police Service supply a service which is of cardinal importance and it is therefore necessary to take note of the stress experienced by members of this unit. The study not only focused on how the members experience stress, but also on the causes and effects of said experience. Furthermore, special attention was given to certain personality traits which members have displayed. The literature study preceding the results will help to understand and relate the results. The number of respondents experiencing high to very high levels of stress are greater than those experiencing normal levels of stress. This is due to work related aspects such as job characteristics inherent to the job, remuneration, added benefits, and personnel policy as well as career opportunities. Furthermore, specific personality traits / characteristics were identified which identify respondents experiencing very high levels of stress. Knowledge gained regarding the levels of stress experienced by members, as well as the nature and scope of stress, can be used to produce aids to assist in the recruitment of members for the unit. It is clear that members wanting to work in the unit needs to be emotionally, psychologically and physically well and it is clear that results from this study can further the process to ensure this. Lastly, due to the results of this study, specialized stress management workshops can be developed for the unit.Thesis (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2004.Human Resource Managementunrestricte

The influence and interpretation of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 on hospital exemption clauses

Exemption clauses are commonly used in hospital contracts to exclude the liability of the hospital or hospital personnel for personal injury or death and presented to the patient on a take-it-or-leave-it-basis. Patients usually sign these contracts containing the exemption clauses because it is impossible to negotiate the terms of the contract. Exemption clauses that are not contrary to public policy are enforceable between parties. Courts have generally favoured the application of the principles of freedom of contract and pacta sunt servanda to determine the enforceability of exemption clauses. The Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008 (CPA) was recently enacted, and among other things, it addresses the unfairness that is associated with exemption clauses and aims to improve consumer awareness. The common law principles were modified by the CPA. Exemption clauses, after the enactment of the CPA, are only enforceable if it complies with the requirements as set out in the Act. Exemption clauses must be drafted in plain and understandable language especially clauses that can be construed to be unfair and the risks pertaining to these clauses must also be drafted in an understandable manner. Such a clause must be brought to the patient s attention and a consumer must sign next to the clause after any term that can be interpreted as unfair terms and risks that is associated with such term is explained to him. A drafter should take into consideration greylist and blacklist terms when drafting exemption clauses, since certain clauses are prohibited and other terms are presumed to be unfair. A drafter can include a term that excludes liability for personal injury of the patient, but the hospital or its personnel will have to prove that such term is fair under the circumstances. A clause that excludes liability for death is not permissible. The enactment of the CPA was long overdue and it was vital, especially in respect of fairness of exemption clauses and the protection of patients against unfair contract terms.Mini Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2015.Private LawLLMUnrestricte

Emplacement controls and the assembly of the 3.1 Ga tabular granite batholiths in the Barberton granite-greenstone terrain, South Africa.

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The pH Levels of Different Methamphetamine Drug Samples on the Street market in Cape Town

Please help us populate SUNScholar with the post print version of this article. It can be e-mailed to: [email protected]