Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
POLICE in Matabeleland South have scaled up efforts to combat drug and substance abuse and have arrested nearly 400 suspects since January as the Government moves to dismantle supply networks and curb the growing scourge.
Statistics released by the province reveal a worrying rise in female involvement in drug-related crimes, particularly in trafficking and distribution.
Of the 398 suspects arrested during the crackdown on distribution networks, 169 are women and 229 are men. Notably, 119 suspects were identified as suppliers, comprising 61 females and 58 males.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said police are intensifying enforcement under the supply reduction pillar.
“From January 2026 to date, a total of 398 suspects have been arrested. Of these, 233 were referred to court, while 165 paid admission of guilt fines,” he said.
“Out of those taken to court, 161 have been successfully prosecuted, reflecting the effectiveness of our judicial processes. Most importantly, 119 of those arrested were identified as suppliers, signalling our targeted approach towards dismantling drug distribution networks.”
Beyond enforcement, Government is also running rehabilitation and reintegration programmes aimed at reducing repeat offences.
The province has admitted 131 individuals for treatment, providing testing and psychosocial support before referring them for reintegration into their communities. Of those discharged, 28 have already received structured reintegration services.
Skills development has also become a key pillar of recovery. Three beneficiaries have been enrolled to undergo skills training under the Young Africa programme and two have completed solar installation training while seven female survivors trained under the Msasa Project are now offering counselling services through mobile one-stop centres in Mangwe District.
Additionally, 21 youths from Mangwe and Beitbridge are undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training at Guyu Youth Service Centre.
Minister Nguluvhe said infrastructure development is underway to strengthen rehabilitation services hence the programme to upgrade facilities including the Old TB Centre in Gwanda and the OI Clinic in Plumtree.
He said the TB Centre in Gwanda will be transformed into a rehabilitation centre and US$286 000 has already been pledged by the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse to fund renovations.
The province has also rolled out awareness campaigns, patrols, community empowerment initiatives and sporting activities as part of prevention efforts.
“Reintegration remains key in ensuring victims start a new life free from drugs and substance abuse,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said the initiatives meant to fight drugs and substance abuse were critical in restoring dignity, building resilience and creating alternative livelihoods for affected individuals. Provinces were tasked to come up with strategies, among them raising funds towards the fight against drug and substance abuse in a bid to tackle the growing scourge that has devastated communities across the country.
At national level, Zimbabwe continues to implement a comprehensive framework to tackle drug abuse through the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, which focuses on enforcement, prevention, treatment and reintegration.
The programme builds on the National Drug Master Plan adopted in 2021, as well as the resource mobilisation drive launched by President Mnangagwa in July last year to strengthen the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Despite these efforts, drugs and substance abuse among young people remains a major concern, pointing to the need for more than just a framework, but an action plan with comprehensive and responsive strategies.
Matabeleland South’s Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse account has ZiG$2 072 and US$24 241.
The Government last year allocated ZiG$865 million to support the programme with individuals, corporations and development partners being urged to play a critical role through donations and partnerships
– @DubeMatutu
