Story by Tamuka Charakupa
MASHONALAND West Province has stepped up efforts to combat drug and substance abuse following the recording of nearly 700 drug-related cases between January and May this year, amid growing concern over the impact of the scourge on communities.
The anti-drug abuse campaign, spearheaded by the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Technical Committee, has brought together traditional leaders, local authorities, security services and community representatives to develop strategies aimed at curbing substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Traditional leaders pledged to take a leading role in community mobilisation and awareness programmes.
“As traditional leaders, we cannot remain spectators while drugs are destroying our communities. We are mobilising village heads and community structures to strengthen awareness and prevention efforts,” said Chief Neuso.
Local authorities expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of illicit substances, particularly illegal home-brewed alcohol in rural communities.
“Although the use of hard drugs like cocaine and crystal meth is a concern, our rural areas are facing a serious challenge from illegal illicit brews. We have witnessed an increase in murder cases, and some of these have been linked to the abuse of these substances,” said Sanyati Rural District Council Chairperson, Councillor Stanford Chaombezvi.
Statistics presented during the engagement revealed that Mashonaland West recorded 698 drug-related cases between January and May this year, with 540 offenders successfully prosecuted and convicted.
Law enforcement agencies said efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks have yielded positive results.
“Efforts to curb the circulation and smuggling of drugs have resulted in the arrest of some police officers who were involved in these illegal activities. No one is above the law,” said Supply Reduction Sub-Committee Chairperson, Detective Sergeant Tatenda Tungwarara.
Officials stressed that addressing drug and substance abuse requires collective action from all sectors of society.
“The fight against drug and substance abuse cannot be left to one institution. It requires the involvement of Government, traditional leaders, churches, parents, communities and every citizen,” said Deputy Director in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Tichaona Chiwiro.
To strengthen prevention and rehabilitation efforts, Mashonaland West Province has raised more than ZiG4.3 million to support anti-drug abuse initiatives and the establishment of rehabilitation centres.
The campaign forms part of the broader implementation of the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024–2030, which seeks to reduce substance abuse and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of affected individuals into society.
