MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU–Government has stepped up efforts to curb drug and substance abuse in the Midlands Province, with 78 bases dismantled and 290 suspects arrested since the launch of the campaign in June 2024.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands Province, Owen Ncube, said the achievements were being realised under the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), launched by President Mnangagwa.
The plan, anchored on a multi-sectoral approach, saw the province establishing structures at district levels focusing on supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psycho-social support, resource mobilisation as well as media and communication.
Ncube said awareness campaigns conducted across the province had reached more than 180 000 people through schools, churches and community gatherings.
“In line with the Second Republic’s thrust of leaving no one and no place behind, stakeholders including schools, churches and civic leaders have played a critical role in supporting awareness campaigns,” he said.
Local authorities have also erected billboards at major business centres such as Gweru, Kwekwe, Shurugwi and Zvishavane to raise awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Ncube said law enforcement agencies had recorded significant milestones in dismantling drug networks, with Kwekwe accounting for 54 drug bases, followed by Gweru Urban (6), Gweru Rural (11), Gokwe (3) and Zvishavane (4).
A total of 290 arrests were made across the province, with Kwekwe recording 97, Zvishavane 102, Gweru Urban 49, Gweru Rural 29 and Gokwe 13.
Authorities also confiscated contraband including 80 kilogrammes of mbanje, 59 grammes of crystal meth and 25 cases of illicit alcoholic beverages.
Minister Ncube commended the security sector, working under the Joint Operations Command, for its efforts in combating drug-related crimes.
On the rehabilitation front, the province has identified Gweru-based GWAPA and Driefontein Hospital in Chirumhanzu for upgrading into drug rehabilitation centres.
Efforts are underway to formalise partnerships between the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Roman Catholic Church for Driefontein Hospital, as well as between the City of Gweru and the Angel of Hope Foundation for GWAPA.
A total of 392 people have received counselling services across the province, including at district social welfare offices, Gweru General Hospital, Amaveni Rehabilitation Centre and Queen of Peace.
Ncube also commended the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for complementing Government efforts through the Angel of Hope Foundation, which has facilitated rehabilitation and skills development programmes.
Over 1 000 recovering drug users from the Mbare rehabilitation centre have been enrolled at Dadaya Vocational Training Centre in Zvishavane for skills training.
He said Government would continue to strengthen resource mobilization, surveillance and awareness programmes to ensure a coordinated response to the drug menace.
“We will continue to provide regular updates as we pursue the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society supported by a productive and drug-free workforce,” said Ncube.
