FAITH NDOU
Masvingo-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in partnership with key stakeholders, on April 14 held a Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo, amid growing concern that the escalating drug crisis could derail the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
The campaign, which featured an awareness march through the streets of Masvingo high density suburb of Mucheke and attended by The Midweek Watch team, brought together police officers, government officials, community leaders and residents in a united effort to confront the rising abuse of drugs and substances, particularly among young people.
Speaking during the event Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, warned that drug and substance abuse is fast becoming a serious threat to national development, eroding the country’s human capital and undermining its long-term vision.
He said the fight against drugs requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society if Zimbabwe is to achieve its Vision 2030 goal of a drug-free society.
“The government under the leadership of the President is spearheading a comprehensive national effort to combat drugs and substance abuse aligning this vision with Vision 2030,” said Chadzamira.
Delivering a stern warning to the public, Minister Chadzamira made it clear that both offenders and those who enable the trade will face the full wrath of the law.
“Those who buy drugs, those who sell drugs, and those who see those take and sell drugs and do not report will be arrested by the law enforcement agency,” he said.
He also urged traditional leaders, parents and communities to speak out boldly against drug abuse, warning that silence is fueling the crisis.
ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, expressed concern over the surge in drug-related crimes, which include violence, theft, unlawful entry and murder, which he said are being driven by substance abuse.
He noted that many illegal substances are getting into the country through porous borders, stressing the need for stronger cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.
“Drugs are finding their way into the country through our borders, and police and other enforcement agencies can only be effective when working closely with communities,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Police say the awareness campaign comes at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in high-profile drug busts, highlighting the scale of the problem and the growing threat posed by cross-border trafficking.
Recently, a senior police officer appeared at Masvingo Magistrate court and was remanded in custody after he was allegedly caught carrying 220 kilogrammes of dagga at the Lundi Roadblock along the Beitbridge Highway.
In a separate incident at Beitbridge Border Post, three people were arrested after they were found in possession of 500 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, a substance commonly abused for its intoxicating effects.
Authorities have also intercepted a truck driver who was allegedly transporting 692 kilogrammes of dagga believed to have been smuggled from South Africa, reinforcing concerns over porous borders and organised drug networks.
Authorities reiterated that only a united front involving government, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, parents and youths can effectively curb the drug menace and safeguard the country’s development trajectory under Vision 2030.
