Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE have intensified the crackdown against drug and substance abuse, publicly naming and shaming 55 convicted drug peddlers from across the country who have recently been sentenced to prison terms ranging from four months to more than four years.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the convicted individuals had appeared before various courts and were found guilty of offences involving unlawful possession and trafficking of dangerous drugs including crystal meth, dagga and illicit cough syrups.
The move comes as authorities continue ramping up efforts to dismantle drug networks amid growing concern over substance abuse, particularly among youths.
Among those handed some of the heaviest sentences are Kudakwashe Chingani (28) of Mbare, Harare and Makanyara Sibanda (45) of Budiriro, Harare, who were each sentenced to four years imprisonment for unlawful possession of dagga.
Another convict, Kila Busili Mamudu (62) of Marimba Park, Harare, was jailed for three years for unlawful possession of crystal meth.
Several offenders received sentences ranging from 12 to 20 months for possessing crystal meth and dangerous substances.
Police said Kudakwashe Mutizwa (37) of Overspill, Epworth was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of crystal meth, while Tanaka Mazara (27) of Old Highfields, Harare, received a 16-month sentence for a similar offence.
Pride Mudyanadzo (36) of Glen View was jailed for 12 months for unlawful possession of crystal meth, while Godfrey Kasipo (42) of Chishawasha Hills, Harare, was sentenced to 18 months for unlawful possession of Broncleer cough syrup.
In another case, Edmond Mara (52) and Sharon Sidhuma (30), both from Glen Norah A, Harare, were sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after being convicted of unlawful possession of Broncleer Cough Syrup and Astra Pain Cough Syrup.
The list also includes several offenders from Bulawayo.
Nqobizitha Moyo (31) of Killarney was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of Broncleer cough syrup.
Others from the city include Noleen Nyathi (39) of Old Lobengula, Moyo Prince (37) of Pumula East, Tafadzwa Kwashiri of Sizinda, Keitumetse Ncube (27) and Kwenzakele Dube (34), both of Pumula East, all of whom received 12-month prison terms for unlawful possession of dagga.
Clemence Mathe (24) of Makokoba was also convicted in connection with unlawful possession of dagga.
Harare and surrounding areas dominated the list of convicted offenders, with several individuals from Mbare, Epworth, Chitungwiza, Glen Norah, Marondera and Banket also appearing among those jailed.
Among female offenders convicted were Natasha Chihwowa (24) of Hopley Farm, Mavis Mateya (23) of Epworth and Sharon Sidhuma (30), among others.
Some of the shortest sentences included three-month prison terms handed to Natasha Chihwowa and Sydney Chingarande of Epworth.
“The publication of names by police is part of wider efforts to discourage drug-related crimes and send a strong warning to both users and suppliers of illicit substances,” said Comm Nyathi.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified its war against drug and substance abuse following concerns over rising addiction cases among young people and the social consequences linked to the scourge.
Government has repeatedly called for a whole-of-society approach involving families, communities, churches, schools and law enforcement agencies in combating drug abuse.
Police have urged members of the public to continue supplying information that can help authorities arrest drug dealers and dismantle supply chains threatening communities.
The latest convictions come as authorities maintain pressure on offenders in what has become one of the country’s most visible anti-drug campaigns.
