Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT has called for an all-stakeholder approach in the fight against drug and substance abuse, as the scourge continues to devastate communities.
With the crisis increasingly affecting young people, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, in partnership with other stakeholders in Masvingo Province, have intensified awareness campaigns by taking the fight against the menace to the streets.
The awareness march culminated at Mucheke Stadium, where community members expressed deep concern over rising cases of drug abuse, which are fuelling criminal activities and disturbing peace in their neighbourhoods.
“These drugs are destroying our children. You find young boys and girls roaming the streets, stealing and becoming violent. As parents, we are living in fear, and we need urgent intervention,” a parent said.
“Most young people are getting into drugs because of peer pressure and unemployment. We need more awareness programmes and opportunities that keep us busy and focused on positive things,” a youth said.
“As a community, we must work together with the police and report drug dealers. If we stay silent, we are allowing this problem to grow and destroy our future generations,” a community member said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police rallied the public to work hand in glove with law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators are brought to book.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are deeply concerned by the rising cases of drug and substance abuse, which have resulted in an increase in crimes such as murder, unlawful entry, theft and violence, among others. We therefore call upon communities to partner with law enforcement agencies so that drug dealers and peddlers are brought to book,” ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
“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. Let us all play our part, as this scourge is destroying the future of our children,” Masvingo Officer Commanding ZRP Commissioner Frederick Mbengwa said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira added government remains committed to ending the scourge.
“The government has set up provincial and district committees to coordinate the fight against drug and substance abuse, bringing together all stakeholders to ensure a unified response. In addition, rehabilitation centres are being established across the country to assist those affected, as we move to protect our communities and safeguard the future of our youths,” he said.
Government is working on several strategies to curb rising cases of drug and substance abuse through establishment of rehabilitation centres, intensified awareness campaigns, and strengthened law enforcement measures.
