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Trust Freddy-Herald Reporter
Quite a lot of youths have had to seek psychiatric treatment after drug and substance abuse and this has prompted the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conduct drug awareness campaigns.
Police are now continuing to warn those involved in drug trafficking, drug dealing and substance abuse that they are committing criminal offences, but are also pushing hard to reduce demand and get those abusing substances, the customers of the more hardened pushers, not to get involved in the first place.
Speaking during the ZRP Harare North District drug awareness campaign, the officer commanding Harare North district Chief Superintendent Resistance Ncube said it was disheartening to note that the streets were now safe haven for various drugs.
The awareness campaign was held in partnership with Christian Community Police Network.
He noted the campaign fitted in well with the efforts being made by President Mnangagwa who saw the huge effect of drug abuse in society and set-up an inter-ministerial committee specifically dealing with substance and drug abuse.
“It is clear that society, ladies and gentlemen has lost its African philosophy of Ubuntu/Hunhu and this has contributed to drug and substance abuse in societies.
“It is a fact that our streets are now safe haven of various drugs. Crystal meth popularly known as guka or mutoriro or dombo, marijuana commonly known as mbanje, plus cocaine, bronco and other hard drugs have found their way in our streets. Definitely we need to join hands and make our streets and society safe, hence this awareness campaign,” Chief Supt Ncube said.
“A report by the World Health Organisation on mental health among young people in the African region shows that Zimbabwe has the highest percentage of 15 to 19 year olds (school-going ages) who engage in heavy episodic drinking in Africa.
“I am sure the vhuzu parties remain one of the examples of well-coordinated drug and substance abuse targeting our children. The 2021 World Drug Report, gives a more sad number outlining that about 36 million people are suffering from drug use disorders. Global statistics also show that about 5,5 percent of the population between 15 and 64 years have used or are still abusing drugs.”
Harare North District was not spared as police there have witnessed a sharp increase in drug-related crimes that include domestic violence, robbery, theft, unlawful entry, assaults and even death by suicide where perpetrators commit these unlawful acts under the influence of drugs.
“Similarly, in our road we have witnessed increase in road accidents resulting in loss of precious lives due to alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. As a new district we are saddened and disheartened by our youths, our society, our community who have lost and are continuing to loose direction due to drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Chief Supt Ncube called upon everyone in business, elders, chiefs, clergy, youths, vendors to act in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Let me take this opportunity to give a stern warning to all those involved in drug trafficking, drug dealing and substance abuse that the long arm of the law will catch up with you. As police we will not rest until we account for all those involved in drugs and bring normalcy in our communities. Other than facing severe punishment, drug abuse is often accompanied by a devastating social impact upon community life.
“My speech will be incomplete without focusing on the adverse effect of drug abuse on industry, education and training and the family, as well as on its contribution to violence, crime, financial problems, housing problems, homelessness and vagrancy. Families have collapsed due to drug abuse, industries have suffered due to absenteeism, education is seriously affected and hooliganism and unwanted pregnancies are on the increase,” he said.
A resident, Mr Leeroy Katsa (20) urged youths to desist from drugs and focus on their future.
“There is always a second chance for everything. To my fellow youths it is high time that you quit drugs and I want to assure them that we are in this together. It is not easy to fight an addiction but for us to have better men, husbands and wives in future. We must live in a drug free nation, he said.
Mr Darlington Yandira urged the police to also target schools when conducting these awareness campaigns.
“I would also want to urge the police to get into schools and engage youths at grass roots level and I would also want to be part of that team. We want to bring more awareness to the community and the church must be included,” he said.
Mr Clide Tungamire (23), who is also a Dzivarasekwa resident, urged the youths to engage in business and desist from taking drugs.
Chairperson of CCPN Apostle B. Chabuka said, “Such campaigns are important to the church because drugs are affecting our future leaders, drugs have destroyed many marriages and there no peace putting a burden to us church leaders who are praying for the nation.
“Residents of Dzivarasekwa have benefited and hopefully we are going to see a decrease in number of cases related to drug abuse. The police view drug abuse as a crime and to us it is a sin. Let’s all condemn this habit.”
Online Reporter