Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
DRUG and substance abuse cases brought before the courts in Manicaland have nearly doubled in the first half of the year, a development legal experts attribute to intensified law enforcement efforts, while warning that the growing prevalence of narcotics continues to pose a serious threat to communities.
Statistics released by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) show a significant increase in both prosecutions and convictions related to drug abuse and trafficking across the province.
Figures availed to The Manica Post reveal that convictions for drug and substance abuse or peddling rose from 238 recorded between January and June last year to 432 during the same period this year.
The number of cases brought before the courts also surged, increasing from 253 to 438 over the comparative periods.
While convictions rose sharply, acquittals remained unchanged, with 14 cases resulting in not-guilty verdicts during the first six months of both last year and this year.
The statistics indicate an increasingly tough stance against drug-related offences and a high conviction rate across the province.
Mutare recorded the highest number of cases, with incidents rising dramatically from 99 in the first half of last year to 260 this year, accounting for the bulk of drug-related prosecutions in Manicaland.
Rusape emerged as the district with the second-highest number of cases this year, recording 96, while Chipinge, which ranked second last year with 38 cases, registered a notable decline to 21 cases.
The consistently low number of acquittals across districts underscores what observers describe as a firm judicial approach towards drug-related offences.
Legal practitioners, however, say the statistics tell two stories: a more aggressive response by law enforcement agencies and courts, and the growing penetration of drugs into communities, particularly among young people.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) member, Mr Langton Mhungu of Mhungu and Associates, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of women and youths in drug abuse and trafficking networks.
“The trend is disturbing. It reflects the extent of drug-related challenges within our communities and highlights the urgent need for stronger interventions to curb the menace,” he said.
“Many of those appearing before the courts are involved in drug dealing as a means of survival, but the consequences are devastating. Drug and substance abuse is eroding the moral fabric of society across all age groups and genders. What is particularly worrying is the increasing number of youths and even minors being drawn into the practice.”
Prominent Mutare lawyer, Mr Passmore Nyakureba of Maunga, Maanda and Associates, said the rise in convictions demonstrates that law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to combat drug-related crime.
“I think these figures are evidence that the entire law enforcement chain is working. They show increased efforts to identify offenders, investigate cases and bring perpetrators before the courts.
“At the same time, the statistics are a reminder that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is far from over. The scourge continues to destroy lives and undermine the future of many young people,” he said.
Mr Nyakureba said tackling drug abuse requires more than arresting users and street-level dealers, arguing that authorities must focus on dismantling the supply chains that bring illicit substances into the country.
“The entire law enforcement system must be activated to ensure that drugs do not find their way into the country in the first place. Most dangerous drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are not produced locally. They enter through various channels and eventually reach our communities,” he said.
He warned that the growing accessibility of drugs has widened the problem beyond traditional demographic groups.
“Drugs have become so readily available that abuse is no longer confined to older youths. We are now seeing girls, boys and even school-going children becoming vulnerable because these substances are easily accessible.
“As long as the supply chain remains intact, efforts to deal with the problem will have limited impact. We need a comprehensive strategy that focuses on prevention, interdiction, rehabilitation and the disruption of trafficking networks,” said Mr Nyakureba.
The latest figures come amid ongoing Government and stakeholder efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through awareness campaigns, law enforcement operations, rehabilitation programmes and community-based interventions.
However, legal experts say the sharp increase in cases should serve as a warning that sustained and coordinated action remains critical to prevent the scourge from claiming another generation of young people.
Moffat Mungazi