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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
    Swarovski28.JPG
  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
    Swarovski27.JPG
  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
    Swarovski14.JPG
  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Jewels and clothes embroidered with crystals are on show during the new Swarovski shop preview on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in London, England. The shop, featuring outstanding design by architect Tokujin Yoshioka, will officially open tomorrow, Jan. 18, 2008. For the first time, Swarovski is making its raw crystal elements available to buy on the high street, opening the doors to a new creative universe. This Crystallized Cosmos & Lounge store also offers the widest possible selection of additional creative elements including wood, semi-precious, metal and many other jewellery components. The in-store atelier provides two specially created services ? a design studio and personal stylist.  ** Italy Out**..
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  • Crystal Meth (aka 'tik'), an highly addictive chemical drug commonly used in impoverished neighbourhoods in the Western Cape, RSA. Meth is becoming increasingly popular amongst schoolchildren and it is not difficult to find kids as young as 12 with addiction. Statistics say that over a six month period, 94% of Meth users become addicted to it. Meth gives psychotic effects such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and it is incline to induce violent behaviour. Meth is common between gang members, it is ideal to prepare a gun-man to hit, removing inhibitions, sharpening senses and fuelling aggression. It is easily smoked in pipes or bulbs, and it does not require a laboratory to be produced: in fact, having the right substances, it can be made even in a kitchen. High availability together with the really cheap price of 30-40 Rands per straw ( about 3-4 UK pounds) is helping to increase the abuse of this dangerous substance. Dealing Meth is also a very lucrative business which can turn a 2000 Rands (200 UK pounds) investment into 5000 Rands (500 UK pounds) in a short time. Tolerance develops quickly and higher doses are soon needed to obtain the same effect on the body. Chronic abuse can lead to out-of-control rages, violence, anxiety, confusion and mood disturbances. Meth affects many parts of the central neurous system and if prolonged it does not only affects behaviour but literally changes the brain in fundamental and longstanding ways.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_09.JPG
  • A dealer is making portions of Crystal Meth (aka 'tik'), an highly addictive chemical drug commonly used in impoverished neighbourhoods in the Western Cape, RSA. Serc, 26 years old, and member of a gang in Heideveld, was shot twice in front of his house by rival gangsters. He has a wife, awaiting a third child, and two young children; with the growing unemployment in the area it has been impossible for him to provide for his family, joined a gang and started selling drugs. He is the 'main guy' in the neighbourhood and people go to him if they have a problem. "If I could find a reasonable job I would definitely quit, I know all this is not good, and it is harming our very community, but now I have to go on, I have no alternative" he says. Meth is becoming increasingly popular amongst schoolchildren and it is not difficult to find kids as young as 12 with addiction. Statistics say that over a six-month period, 94% of Meth users become addicted to it. Meth gives psychotic effects such as seeing or hearing things that are not there, and it is incline to induce violent behaviour. Meth is common between gang members, it is ideal to prepare a gun-man to hit, removing inhibitions, sharpening senses and fuelling aggression. It is easily smoked in pipes or bulbs, and it does not require a laboratory to be produced: in fact, having the right substances, it can be made even in a kitchen. High availability together with the really cheap price of 30-40 Rands per straw ( about 3-4 UK pounds) is helping to increase the abuse of this dangerous substance. Dealing Meth is also a very lucrative business which can turn a 2000 Rands (200 UK pounds) investment into 5000 Rands (500 UK pounds) in a short time. Tolerance develops quickly and higher doses are soon needed to obtain the same effect on the body.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_10.JPG
  • Youngster smoking Mandrax (methaqualone) and Marijuana in a bottleneck, in Heideveld, CapeTown, RSA. Initially marketed as a sedative or sleeping tablet by the French pharmaceutical giant Roussell Laboratories, it turned out to be highly addictive and banned in 1977. Sold illegally in South Africa, it is smoked in conjunction with Marijuana and it is the most widely used drug in the Western Cape, sold at about 30 Rands (about 3 UK pounds) per tablet. It is crushed and smoked in pipes or bottlenecks. It makes the user feel relaxed, clam and peaceful and everything looks perfect, while turning aggressive when the effect is wearing off. It requires increased usage in order to achieve the same effects and depression feelings are not uncommon with use. According to the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) it is a really difficult habit to break in impoverished communities where young unemployed are left on their own with no government help or other activities apart from crime and gansgterism. Social injustice, weakened family links and a feeling of 'not-belonging' are also causes of problems upon the 'coloured' communities in South Africa.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_12.JPG
  • Youngsters smoking Mandrax (methaqualone) and Marijuana in their backgarden, in Cape Town, RSA. Initially marketed as a sedative or sleeping tablet by the French pharmaceutical giant Roussell Laboratories, it turned out to be highly addictive and banned in 1977. Sold illegally in South Africa, it is smoked in conjunction with Marijuana and it is the most widely used drug in the Western Cape, sold at about 30 Rands (about 3 UK pounds) per tablet. It is crushed and smoked in pipes or bottlenecks. It makes the user feel relaxed, clam and peaceful and everything looks perfect, while turning aggressive when the effect is wearing off. It requires increased usage in order to achieve the same effects and depression feelings are not uncommon with use. According to the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) it is a really difficult habit to break in impoverished communities where young unemployed are left on their own with no government help or other activities apart from crime and gansgterism. Social injustice, weakened family links and a feeling of 'not-belonging' are also causes of problems upon the 'coloured' communities in South Africa.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_11.JPG
  • A youngster is smoking Mandrax (methaqualone) mixed with Marijuana in Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA.  Initially marketed as a sedative or sleeping tablet by the French pharmaceutical giant Roussell Laboratories, it turned out to be highly addictive and banned in 1977. Sold illegally in South Africa, it is smoked in conjunction with Marijuana and it is the most widely used drug in the Western Cape, sold at about 30 Rands (about 3 UK pounds) per tablet. It is crushed and smoked in pipes or bottlenecks. It makes the user feel relaxed, clam and peaceful and everything looks perfect, while turning aggressive when the effect is wearing off. It requires increased usage in order to achieve the same effects and depression feelings are not uncommon with use. According to the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre (CTDCC) it is a really difficult habit to break in impoverished communities where young unemployed are left on their own with no government help or other activities apart from crime and gansgterism. Social injustice, weakened family links and a feeling of 'not-belonging' are also causes of problems upon the ?coloured? communities in South Africa.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_03.JPG
  • Youngsters on the streets of the impoverished neighbourhood of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Here showing Marijuana worth 50 Rands (about 50 pence). With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the ?dirty job?, gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. ?Coloured? communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these community are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family. Young gangster are also used for the worst crimes by the fact that, being still under 18 years old, they would face shorter sentences if caught. Drug abuse between kids as young as 12 is not uncommon, especially crystal meth, mandrax and marijuana.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_06.JPG
  • Youngsters on the streets of the impoverished neighbourhood of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Francis, a woman living in the area from 40 years is on the back; she has witnessed and has been threatened by the wave of violence affecting these communities. Her grandson, who was part of a gang in the area has been shot three times in front of her house by the common drive-by-shootings carried on by rival gangs in the neighbouring areas. Being in so close contact with members of gangs and criminal activity, youngsters are those who are most tempted to join a gang, which most of the time is also probably composed by friends and others living in the community. Making errands or favours to gang members is also common to the younger kids in these areas which are lured by the apparently easy gains deriving from the activity.  With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the 'dirty job', gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. 'Coloured' communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these communities are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family. Young gangster are also used for the worst crimes by the fact that, being still under 18 years old, they would face shorter sentences if caught. Drug abuse between kids as young as 12 is not uncommon, especially crystal meth, mandrax and marijuana.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_14.JPG
  • Marvin, 20 years old, former gangster, teaching a life orientation lesson to young neglected youngsters in the School of Hope in Athlone, Cape Town, RSA, where troubled young kids at risk are getting education (run by Thembalitsha.org.za a local NGO). Marvin was a hit-man, working also for different gang such as 'The Americans' and the 'Junior Mafia' between the age of 15 and 19. He grow up in the mainly 'coloured' area of  Heideveld, where unemployment is rife and gangs are flourishing. He was also addicted by crystal meth (aka 'tik'), a dangerous chemical drug very common in South Africa's poorest neighbourhoods. Thanks to his family, after having been to reformatory, he was helped to get out of the gangs and to join a free academy for skills development aimed at empowering troubled youths through training and discipline, called Chrysalis (www.chrysalisacademy.org.za). He finished a three month course there and he is now about to  start working in the tourism industry; he know the wrongs has done and he does not want to go back to that life anymore. Chrysalis aim at reducing the levels of crime and violence in the Western Cape by transforming 'youth at risk' into strong, positive community leaders of the future through intensive continuous training. ?After I left the gang I was working for in the Woodstock area of Cape Town I have made myself some enemies; I cannot go back there anymore because someone has still anger left for me?I don?t want that life anymore, I want to live peacefully and fulfil my aspirations, you see: it is a matter of having little short-term goals, once you have achieved one you go onto the next, and so on. Always think you can do it, don?t give up, go for it again. I was running in dark corners, there was no way out, I did not have a goal, I had no dreams. You need to believe that you are worthwhile. Life is hard, it depends on you on how you want to make your life. Make everyday your day."
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_02.JPG
  • Marvin, 20 years old, former gangster, by a wall of a school close to the impoverished area of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Marvin was a hit-man, working also for different gangs such as 'The Americans' and the 'Junior Mafia' between the age of 15 and 19. He grow up in the mainly 'coloured' area of  Heideveld, where unemployment is rife and gangs are flourishing. He was also addicted by Crystal Meth (aka 'tik'), a dangerous chemical drug very common in South Africa's poorest neighbourhoods. Thanks to his family he was helped to get out of the gangs and to join a free academy for skills development aimed at empowering troubled youths through training and discipline, called Chrysalis (www.chrysalisacademy.org.za). He finished a three month course there and he is now about to  start working in the tourism industry; he know the wrongs has done and he does not want to go back to that life anymore. Chrysalis aim at reducing the levels of crime and violence in the Western Cape by transforming 'youth at risk' into strong, positive community leaders of the future through intensive continuous training. Marvin is actually heading life orientation lessons to institutes as the School of Hope, in Athlone, Cape Town, where troubled young kids at risk are getting education (run by Thembalitsha.org.za a local NGO).
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_01.JPG
  • Youngsters on the streets of the impoverished neighbourhood of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Here in front of their house. (Marvin in the middle and former gangster Fuad on the right). Being in so close contact with members of gangs and criminal activity, youngsters are those who are most tempted to join a gang, which most of the time is also probably composed by friends and others living in the community. Making errands or favours to gang members is also common to the younger kids (?wannabes?) in these areas which are lured by the apparently easy gains deriving from the activity.  With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the ?dirty job?, gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. ?Coloured? communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these communities are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family. Young gangster are also used for the worst crimes by the fact that, being still under 18 years old, they would face shorter sentences if caught. Drug abuse between kids as young as 12 is not uncommon, especially crystal meth, mandrax and marijuana.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_04.JPG
  • Marvin, 20 years old, former gangster, teaching a life orientation lesson to young neglected youngsters in the School of Hope in Athlone, Cape Town, RSA, where troubled young kids at risk are getting education (run by Thembalitsha.org.za a local NGO). Marvin was a hit-man, working also for different gang such as 'The Americans' and the 'Junior Mafia' between the age of 15 and 19. He grow up in the mainly 'coloured' area of  Heideveld, where unemployment is rife and gangs are flourishing. He was also addicted by crystal meth (aka 'tik'), a dangerous chemical drug very common in South Africa's poorest neighbourhoods. Thanks to his family, after having been to reformatory, he was helped to get out of the gangs and to join a free academy for skills development aimed at empowering troubled youths through training and discipline, called Chrysalis (www.chrysalisacademy.org.za). He finished a three month course there and he is now about to  start working in the tourism industry; he know the wrongs has done and he does not want to go back to that life anymore. Chrysalis aim at reducing the levels of crime and violence in the Western Cape by transforming 'youth at risk' into strong, positive community leaders of the future through intensive continuous training. ?After I left the gang I was working for in the Woodstock area of Cape Town I have made myself some enemies; I cannot go back there anymore because someone has still anger left for me?I don?t want that life anymore, I want to live peacefully and fulfil my aspirations, you see: it is a matter of having little short-term goals, once you have achieved one you go onto the next, and so on. Always think you can do it, don?t give up, go for it again. I was running in dark corners, there was no way out, I did not have a goal, I had no dreams. You need to believe that you are worthwhile. Life is hard, it depends on you on how you want to make your life. Make everyday your day."
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_16.jpg
  • Youngsters on the streets of the impoverished neighbourhood of Heideveld, Cape Town, RSA. Here in front of their house. Being in so close contact with members of gangs and criminal activity, youngsters are those who are most tempted to join a gang, which most of the time is also probably composed by friends and others living in the community. Making errands or favours to gang members is also common to the younger kids in these areas which are lured by the apparently easy gains deriving from the activity.  With extremely high rates of unemployment, poor resources and too little authority control, ghettos as Heideveld are the best places for gangs to grow in activity and businesses. Targeting mostly young people from their area to carry on the 'dirty job', gangs in the Western Cape, and South Africa are an endemic problem in continuous increase in the years after the radical apartheid governmental system. 'Coloured' communities have lost almost all their help from a government that now is concentrated on empowering black communities instead. Segregated into ghettos and without state grants or development activities, people in these communities are sometimes forced to join a gang or dealing drugs also to provide for their own family. Young gangster are also used for the worst crimes by the fact that, being still under 18 years old, they would face shorter sentences if caught. Drug abuse between kids as young as 12 is not uncommon, especially crystal meth, mandrax and marijuana.
    Marvin_Gangster_Redemption_08.JPG