Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE have arrested and exposed 28 more illicit drug dealers across the country as the law enforcement agents ramp up efforts to curb drug and substance abuse.
The suspects have since been convicted and handed down various judgements ranging from fines to custodial sentences.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the most prominent drugs from recent arrests are crystal meth, dagga or mbanje and a new drug called masca.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s statement released on the 12th and 19th of December 2023 and 22nd of January 2024, where police named and shamed drug lords and suppliers.
“As part of our undeterred efforts to fight the scourge we have released another list of drug lords and suppliers who have since been convicted by the courts,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said most of the criminals were handed custodial sentences ranging between12 months to five years in prison, which are a preventive measure to curtail the spread and use of drugs and substances.
Asst Comm Nyathi said of all the arrests and convictions, police are worried about women involvement in criminal activity, especially in drug peddling.
“It is worrying to note that women are actively involved in such criminal activity. Women are known to be responsible and the nurturers of family bonds but instead there are some female elements that are bent on destroying that culture,” he said.
“It is indeed a great shame to note that they too are part of this list and are serving custodial sentences, instead of raising and caring for their families,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said he believed that women’s involvement in the drug trade may be attributed to lack of choice or coercion from men.
“In these male-dominated environments women are often sexually abused, exploited and face rampant threats and victimisation from drug lords, which at times leaves them with no option but to comply,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the continued naming and shaming of drug dealers is aimed at uncovering the criminals while raising awareness about the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the arrests were done across the country including in rural areas.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that through the National Committee on the Elimination of Drugs and Substance Abuse, it will continue naming and shaming drug barons and suppliers in any part of the country,” he said.
“The public is urged to continue forwarding information regarding drug barons and suppliers through the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Government declared drug and substance abuse a national threat and has established a technical committee to address the scourge.
“As police we are complementing these efforts by naming and shaming the dealers. What is worrying about the people we arrested is that 13 out of the 40 are women,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Recent studies done in Zimbabwe show that an estimated 7,1 percent of young people abuse drugs, with the most prevalent drugs being cannabis, crystal meth, skin lighteners, illicit beverages and body enlargement products.
According to the police, the illicit drugs in circulation in the country are classified into the following categories: depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens, narcotics, skin lighteners, body enlargement products, and sex enhancers. Drug abuse is also contributing to the rise in crime.
Below is a full list of the convicted drug dealers, Taurai Chitsungo (Crystal Meth), Innocent Zanorehamba (Crystal Meth and Congo Dust), Melody Chikaronga (Crystal Meth), Keepmore Sajeni (dagga), Ultimo Madziwa (dagga), Tendai Chikoore (Crystal Meth) Kudakwashe Mangenge (dagga) Tafadzwa Muchemwa (Cocaine), and Cuthbert Jongwe, for unlawful possession of dagga.
Others include Patience Rambi (Crystal Meth), David Kabvara (Crystal Meth), Zakaria Mariano (Crystal Meth), Anyway Ngona (Crystal Meth), Febbie Machangara (Crystal Meth), Naison Kabvara (Crystal Meth), Leeroy Solomon (Crystal Meth), Lindiwe Marume (Crystal Meth) and Reason Ncube, for possession of Masca.
Also include Pierry Ndlovu (Masca), Kwanda Ngwenya (Masca), Tatenda Sibanda (Masca), Phiwokwakhe Ncube (Masca), Tafadzwa Kanemeya (for possession of dagga), Terrence Nyandoro (Crystal Meth), Emmanuel Majoni, for possession of dagga, Justice Gutsire, for possession of unregistered medicines and Wilson Nyamuka (dagga) and Barbra Goto, for possession of unregistered medicines.
Online Reporter