Sara-Jayne Makwala King21 August 2024 | 13:33

Cape Town dagga social club owners says cops heavy-handed during raid

In September 2018, the Constitutional Court partially decriminalised dagga, making private,  personal consumption legal for those over 18 legal.

Cape Town dagga social club owners says cops heavy-handed during raid

Lester Kiewit speaks to Timothy Duckitt, owner of the Euphoria Social Club in Kraaifontein after his arrest went viral.

Listen below

The owner of the Euphoria Social Club has spoken out about the police raid on his premises recently after arrest footage went viral on social media.

The video shows Timothy Duckitt being apprehended by police.

Duckitt is the owner of Euphoria, which offers customers barbershop services, with a 'little extra' on the side.

"When you get your haircut...we bless the people...I'm very blessed, I've got green fingers, I've got very, very good weed."
Timothy Duckitt, Owner -  Euphoria Social Club

Duckitt accuses the cops of being heavy-handed during his arrest, and claims they arrived without a warrant claiming to be looking for firearms.

"They went straight for my personal cannabis."
Timothy Duckitt, Owner -  Euphoria Social Club
"They charged me with dealing in dagga."  
Timothy Duckitt, Owner -  Euphoria Social Club

In September 2018, the Constitutional Court partially decriminalised dagga, making private, personal consumption legal for those over 18.

Consuming cannabis in public spaces remains a criminal offence.

Duckitt insists the law is on his side, as he has the permit to keep dagga on the premises. 

Having been operating since the start of the year, Duckitt says he had approached SAPS to alert them to the nature of his business. 

"I've got a lot of mental issues and the cannabis helps me."
Timothy Duckitt, Owner -  Euphoria Social Club

Duckitt says there are too many 'grey areas' in the law as it currently stands.

@euphoria.barber.sh

Euphoria social club in kraaifontein

♬ original sound - Euphoria Barber Shop

Duckitt had been scheduled to appear in court on Monday, but the charges were withdrawn.