Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
There is need for more coordinated efforts in fighting the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede said yesterday.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 2025 Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Shooting Competition held at Cleveland Shooting Range outside Harare yesterday he said: “We must shoot down the scourge of drug and substance abuse as it undermines both physical and mental readiness of personnel, and in turn compromises operational security,” he said.
The competition was held under the theme: “The Air Force of Zimbabwe shooting down drug and substance abuse”. Said Air Marshal Nzvede: “The theme of shooting down drugs and substance abuse, casts light on an urgent challenge that we face as a nation.
“As such, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Dr Mnangagwa, has acknowledged that drug substance abuse is a growing threat to the nation’s health, security, economy and social stability.
“He has, therefore, called for a multi-sectorial response so that the nation can realise its aspirations by the year 2030.
“Against this call to action, it was befitting that the Air Force of Zimbabwe uses this platform to reverberate the message against the use of drugs and illicit substances.
“In the Multi-Sectorial Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, the security services have an important role to play. Our commitment as the Air Force of Zimbabwe and other security services here is to shoot down the scourge of drug and substance abuse.”
Air Marshal Nzvede said the consequences of drug abuse are severe and far-reaching.
“Drugs undermine the physical and mental readiness of our personnel, which in turn, compromises operational effectiveness. As such, we must be vigilant against these threats,” he said.
“In pursuit of maintaining vigilance, the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Shooting Competition is one opportunity availed to officers and members to enhance their shooting skills. This is a vital skill because it instils discipline in conduct and the use of weapons.”
The overall winner was Corporal Nhlangazi Judea from the Zimbabwe National Army Parachute Regiment, who walked away with the top honours for outstanding marksmanship.
“I am so excited today that I am the overall winner and I did not believe that this could be me one day,” he said. “The best medicine is for one to appreciate the rifle and training.”
Among the notable civilian participants this year were ZBC News Current Affairs Presenter/ Producer Ian Vambe and Classic 263’s Victor Mpofu (Doc Vikela).
“Being part of this year’s AFZ Shooting Competition has been a humbling experience. It is not just about testing physical skill but about being part of a national effort to fight a real societal challenge drug and substance abuse,” said Mpofu.
“It is liberating to take part in something this meaningful. You don’t often associate sport shooting with social impact, but the Air Force of Zimbabwe has shown that even competitions like this can send a powerful message.”
