Tendai Muererwa
Mutare – A high powered Police delegation has intensified anti-crime and drug awareness campaign in Manicaland following growing concern over rising substance abuse cases in the area.
The campaign comes after the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, raised alarm over the escalating drug abuse crisis affecting youths in the province.
In response, police launched awareness programmes in schools and communities, with officers saying more institutions are still set to be visited as the operation continues.
Assistant Commissioner Blessmore Chishaka, Assistant Commissioner Dr Matilda Singende and Assistant Commissioner Elliot Muchada led the outreach programme at Nyamauru High School, Dangamvura High School and Mutare Polytechnic under the Commissioner-General of Police’s nationwide “No to Crime” campaign.
The Police said drug and substance abuse has become one of the biggest threats facing Zimbabwean youths, with many young people losing their lives, abandoning school and destroying their futures through addiction. Authorities revealed that arrests linked to the selling and distribution of illegal substances are now being made almost daily as law enforcement agencies tighten the crackdown on drug peddlers.
Addressing students during the campaign, Detective Sergeant Foya from the Drugs and Narcotics Section warned that drugs are silently crippling communities and robbing the nation of productive young citizens.
“Drug abuse is causing Zimbabwe to stand still because the youths who are supposed to build the nation are dying, becoming criminals and losing focus in life,” he said. “Every day police are arresting people involved in selling dangerous substances, but communities and students must also help by reporting drug dealers.”
He warned learners against experimenting with substances such as musombodhiya and other illicit drugs, saying addiction destroys health, education and family relationships. He also cautioned against harmful skin-lightening creams which contain dangerous chemicals capable of causing permanent internal damage.
Police urged students to avoid peer pressure, stay away from bad company and focus on their education instead of drugs and criminal activities. Learners were also encouraged to report anyone involved in selling or supplying illegal substances within their communities.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Singende, the national coordinator of the Victim Friendly Unit, spoke strongly against gender-based violence, child abuse and cyber bullying. She encouraged victims of abuse to speak out and seek help rather than suffer in silence. She said many GBV cases remain hidden because victims fear reporting offenders, yet silence allows violence to continue destroying families and communities.
“Report GBV matters and speak out. Violence should never be treated as a private issue,” she said. “Young people must protect each other, reject abuse and use social media responsibly without humiliating or bullying others online.” She added that cyber bullying has become a growing danger among youths, often leading to depression, emotional trauma and conflict among students.
Assistant Commissioner Chishaka said the campaign is meant to strengthen community policing and help rehabilitated youths avoid returning to drug abuse. He stressed that fighting crime requires cooperation between police, parents, schools, chiefs and the community at large.
The awareness drive is expected to continue across Manicaland, with police officers scheduled to visit more schools and communities as authorities push for a united fight against drug abuse, violence and crime.
