Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
BULAWAYO authorities have intensified the fight against drug and substance abuse, with police arresting 39 suspects linked to drug-related offences over the past two weeks and shutting down an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Cowdray Park.
The developments were revealed during a media briefing on Monday by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Honourable Judith Ncube who said the province continues to strengthen enforcement, rehabilitation and awareness programmes.
The crackdown comes as authorities expand rehabilitation services, with plans underway to establish a facility at Ingutsheni Hospital and another rehabilitation centre in Lobengula.
Honourable Ncube said collaborative interventions targeting drug and substance abuse have been intensified through supply reduction, demand reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration initiatives.
“During the second half of May 2026, a total of 39 individuals were arrested for offences related to drug and substance abuse. Of these, some were fined by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, while five were convicted and four fined by the courts,” she said.
The province also recorded the closure of an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Cowdray Park that had attracted significant public attention on social media.
In one of the major arrests, police apprehended five men along Solusi Road after they were allegedly found in possession of 360 kilogrammes of loose dagga.
“Five adult males were arrested over the weekend along Solusi Road after being found in possession of 360 kilogrammes of loose dagga,” Honourable Ncube said.
Authorities have also intensified public awareness campaigns targeting schools, tertiary institutions and communities as part of efforts to curb drug abuse among young people.
According to the minister, more than 41 000 people have been reached through various awareness programmes conducted across the province.
“A total of 41 184 people were reached through awareness campaigns conducted in primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions and communities across the province,” she said.
“These engagements focused on educating young people about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, promoting positive behavioural choices and encouraging them to resist peer pressure and other harmful influences.”
Six awareness campaigns were conducted in schools and another six in communities, while Cultural Day exhibitions provided an additional platform to engage children, adolescents and young people on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The latest figures underscore Bulawayo Province’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse through a combination of law enforcement, rehabilitation services and public education initiatives.
