Tendai Muererwa
MUTARE-Zimbabwe is facing an escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, with young people increasingly falling victim to dangerous narcotics and addictive substances that are destroying lives, families, and communities.
Among the most commonly abused substances are mutoriro (crystal meth), BronCleer and other codeine-based cough syrups, mbanje, glue and solvents, alcohol, and prescription drugs such as diazepam. In some areas, heroin and other hard drugs are also beginning to emerge, raising fears of a worsening public health and social crisis. With high rates of unemployment among youths in Zimbabwe, many young people have turned to harmful drug use, often with limited chances of full recovery. Some of the most dangerous substances now being abused are homemade mixtures produced in backyards. These include chemicals commonly known as “waterlock,” a substance used in diapers as an absorbent and also found in some detergents.
The growing crisis has been linked to rising crime, mental health disorders, school dropouts, unemployment, family breakdowns, and premature deaths. Speaking during a press conference in Mutare, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, called for intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse across the province. “All districts in Manicaland must urgently strengthen efforts to curb the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse,” said Advocate Mugadza.
He urged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in the lives of their children and guide them away from dangerous substances. His remarks come amid growing concern over the increasing number of youths battling addiction and drug-induced mental health conditions.
There has been a disturbing rise in cases linked to crystal meth and codeine-based mixtures commonly known on the streets as “kambwa.” The most painful pandemic we have today is drug abuse. Psychiatric units in Zimbabwe are now heavily occupied by youths suffering from psychosis related to drugs. Kambwa is poison and it is destroying lives both literally and metaphorically.
Manicaland province acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka also expressed concern over the growing crisis, saying police continue to face major challenges in dealing with drug-related crimes.
“It has been a nightmare dealing with drug abuse, but as the police, we are doing all we can to fight he scourge. Some people are dying at a very young age because of drugs. We urge members of the public to stay away from drugs because they destroy the future,” he said.
He added that arrests of drug dealers and users are being made almost daily across the country as law enforcement agencies intensify operations against drug trafficking and illegal distribution networks.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo, said Government is strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration programmes to support affected individuals and families. According to Moyo, at least 382 individuals were successfully reintegrated into their families and communities during the first quarter of 2026 following treatment and rehabilitation programmes. He also revealed that 688 parenting support groups are currently operational nationwide, with 48 additional groups established during the same period to strengthen family resilience and create supportive recovery environments.
Residents in Mutare say the effects of drug abuse are now being felt in communities on a daily basis. A Chikanga resident, Tobias Chaka, said it is heartbreaking to watch the younger generation being destroyed by drugs.
“It is painful to see young people succumbing to drugs. Many have turned to stealing and robbing people just to get money to buy drugs. Some parents are complaining that their children are stealing from their own homes and have become violent. It is no longer safe,” said Chaka. “We are appealing to Government to intervene and for communities to come together and fight against drug abuse before more lives are lost.”
As the crisis deepens, calls are growing for a united national response involving Government, families, churches, schools, civil society organisations, community leaders, and the private sector. Many believe that beyond arrests and condemnation, young people need hope, employment opportunities, rehabilitation, counselling, and strong community support systems to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
