Concerns grow over drink spiking incidents in Durban's festive nightlife
Emergency responders in Durban are raising alarms over a series of suspected drink spiking incidents during the festive season.
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Emergency responders have raised concerns following a series of suspected drink spiking incidents involving partygoers across Durban during the festive season.
Security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said paramedics confirmed that they have “attended to several incidents involving partygoers displaying symptoms of confusion, hallucination, nausea, vomiting, paranoia, memory loss, and disorientation over the festive period.”
According to RUSA, the affected individuals were treated at various social gatherings, parties, and bars across the Durban area. While the exact substances involved could not be identified at the time of treatment, paramedics believe that the drinks consumed by the patients may have been tampered with.
“The drinks of these patients are believed to have been spiked with drugs by known or unknown individuals at social gatherings, parties or bars, although Paramedics were unable to confirm this at the scene,” RUSA stated.
Drink spiking, a growing concern in nightlife settings, can result in serious medical complications and leave victims vulnerable to further harm. Emergency services have therefore issued strong preventative advice to the public.
Partygoers are urged to take proactive steps to reduce their risk. RUSA advised that individuals should order their own drinks and ensure they observe them being poured.
The organisation further cautioned that people should open their own cans or bottles and decline open drinks from strangers.
“It is also essential not to leave your drink unattended at all times,” paramedics warned.
In addition, RUSA emphasised that any drink with an unusual taste should not be consumed. Individuals who experience sudden or unexplained symptoms after drinking alcohol are advised to seek urgent medical assistance.