'SHE COULD NOT DEFEND HERSELF'

Stern warning against Xanax

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

A HOUT Bay mother is grappling with the devastating reality that her 17-year-old daughter was murdered and stuffed into a cupboard while allegedly “high” on Xanax (alprazolam) tablets and is waiting on DNA confirmation.

In a heartfelt plea to parents and youth, she warns of the dangers of this prescription drug, commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Her message comes just a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, where he declared gender-based violence (GBV) a national crisis, following calls from organisations like Women For Change.

For Grade 11 learner of Hout Bay High School, Amiena Swano, the promises have come a little too late. Her mother, Salama Swano, faced a parent's worst nightmare upon learning that her daughter, who attended a concert on Valentine’s Day and later spent the evening with friends, is now potentially the victim in a murder investigation.