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Enock Chishiri Crime Watch
IN the past editions of this column we have been encouraging each other to develop a keen interest in matters of crime. We always say just because you have been fortunate enough to be unscathed at least for now it does not mean that you will forever remain out of reach of the claws of crime. As your police, we, however, take pride in noticing that some of the crimes we have covered continue to decline, an indication that our conceited efforts are bearing fruit.
For the month of September, some of the crimes of concern that took a downward trend are as indicated below.
Quite encouraging as this might appear, another crime that is now rearing its ugly head is that involving dangerous drugs especially mbanje. Our country outlaws dealing, cultivation and possession of dangerous drugs.
During the month of September 2014, Manicaland recorded 68 cases of unlawful possession of drugs which is twice that recorded in the same month in 2013.
It is unfortunate that in a number of cases those that deal in or cultivate mbanje are not the end users of this drug.
It is those that use the drug that are often at its mercy as they live to face its harmful effects in terms of health and legal implications.
The dangers of drugs are very clear and this is the reason why we continue to sound ansos each time their proliferation appears getting out of hand.
Sometimes regarded as the godfather of all other crimes because of its stimulating effect that provides the Dutch courage for the commission of the crimes, the peddling of mbanje has affected all across generations and will continue to pose as a health hazard especially to the young.
While some parts of Manicaland are known for their penchant in growing mbanje between maize fields, vegetable gardens or even flower beds, the most disturbing issue is that we are a ready market for the bulk of the drug which is grown in the neighbouring Mozambique.
The drug is smuggled through places like Mahenye, Majapani in the Zamchiya area of Chisumbanje with some cases occurring here and there in Nyanga.
The deterrent nature of a jail term which is given to cultivators of the drug without the option of a fine could have served the day for us, but unfortunately the majority of offenders in the province are those arrested for unlawful possession.
Mbanje within our borders has the following repercussions:-
It is sold to school children. Both male and female are now known to be taking dagga. You will remember the case of Dangamvura school girls who were arrested for smoking mbanje. The students become truant, obstinate and generally out of control.
To those at work places who operate machines or drive vehicles, their judgement is seriously impaired and they become a potential risk to themselves and the working environment. The workforce is thus crippled in this way.
To those that are less occupied for unemployment or other reasons, the taking of the drug is accompanied by drinking of alcohol and other hazardous substances. The person is generally irresponsible and as alluded to, is inclined to commit any other offence, murder, rape, assaults, public violence or even vandalism of infrastructure and other property.
To those that make trading mbanje their business, it is a conscious risk where one is bound to be caught and be stripped of trading resources thereby creating a one way to the gallows.
It is now for the reasons cited above that police will continue to engage in blitz at such places and times that are known to be breeding grounds for the dealing in all dangerous drugs with a desire to flush the activities out of our communities and eventually out of our borders.
As usual the public will always be called upon to jealously protect the future of our children and that of the majority of our young people who form the majority of the country’s work force by helping to provide all information regarding habitual criminals who are into drug peddling.
Monitoring of habits by those we live with is of paramount importance if we suspect their behaviour is a bit out of the ordinary.
The police has specialized sections at all urban set ups that can provide information on the type of drugs that are commonly abused, their effects and how we can always identify them.
Obviously, we all note how widespread the effects of drugs are but like in all cases we must take the step to rid society of this menace.
Inserted by ZRP Press and Public Relations Manicaland Province.
Online Reporter