Tendai Muererwa
Rusape – Police in Rusape have arrested two men in connection with unlawful possession and dealing in dangerous drugs following a raid conducted in Vhengere on June 8, 2026.
The accused persons are Philip Chinganga (27) of Vhengere, Rusape, and Richard Charuza (68) of Vhengere, Rusape. The informant is Luis Sibanda (28) of Old Magamba, Rusape.
According to police reports, Sibanda was initially arrested on allegations of stealing household property belonging to his mother. During questioning, he allegedly confessed that he had exchanged some of the stolen items for drugs in Vhengere.
Acting on the information, police conducted a raid at House Number 180BC, Vhengere, on the same day. Upon arrival, the informant identified a man whom he claimed had purchased a hooded jacket and a suit from him. However, the suspect fled from the scene before he could be apprehended.
A search was subsequently carried out at the premises, leading to the arrest of Philip Chinganga, who was found in one of the rooms. Police reportedly recovered 10 black plastic bags containing loose dagga, 22 x 100ml bottles of Astra Pain Stop syrup, 9 x 100ml bottles of BronCleer cough syrup, and 78 sachets of crystal meth.
Further investigations led police to another room allegedly rented by Richard Charuza. A raid at the premises resulted in the recovery of an additional 300 sachets of crystal meth, leading to his arrest. The two accused persons are assisting police with investigations.
Police have expressed concern over the growing link between drug abuse and other criminal activities such as theft. Authorities noted that many young people are resorting to stealing from family members and communities to sustain drug addictions, resulting in broken homes, increased crime, and loss of livelihoods.
Law enforcement agencies continue to intensify nationwide operations against drug dealers and users as part of the Government’s efforts to combat drug and substance abuse. Police warned that individuals involved in the sale, distribution, or consumption of illicit drugs risk severe legal consequences.
Manicaland province acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chnyoka urged the public to report suspected drug dealers.
Chinyoka added that drug abuse not only destroys the lives of users but also affects families, communities, and the nation’s future. Every citizen has a role to play in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
