Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
THE drugs and substance abuse menace is a bottleneck to Government’s national development efforts, hence more should be done by all progressive Zimbabweans to fight the deadly scourge.
This was said by Zanu PF National Chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the Minister of Defence and National Chairperson of the Anti-Drugs and Substance Abuse Committee, at the launch of the Presidential Women Empowerment Fund in Harare on Monday.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said all Zimbabweans should unite in fighting the vice, which has become a global menace.
“We need to combat drugs and substance abuse. When people are abusing drugs and substances, they are being counterproductive and that means they are against President Mnangagwa’s development drive.
“Our President set up a drugs committee consisting of ministers, Chiefs, Churches and other arms so that we fight this deadly vice and win.
“President Mnangagwa has continued to denounce drugs and substance abuse,” she said.
The Zanu PF National Chairman said Government would continue enforcing and formulating laws and regulations that tighten the noose on drug peddlers and consumers.
Of late, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been arresting and naming and shaming offenders almost daily as efforts intensify.
“We are now putting a Statutory Instrument in place banning the selling and consuming of illicit brews.
“If you are found selling or in possession, you will be jailed for up to 15 years.
“We see those selling drugs and substances being arrested, named and shamed,” she said.
Some of the pieces of legislation being implemented include the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Medicine and Allied Substances Control Act, and Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
To strengthen the fight, Government has also engaged stakeholders, including churches, businesspeople and politicians under a whole-of-Government-and-society approach.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said drug and substance abuse should not be left unchecked, as it would hinder the attainment of national goals.
“We want our country to have people who further its development and safeguard its sovereignty.
“Let’s fight this scourge as we have been instructed by our President, just as we did fighting Covid-19,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri implored women to play an active role in combating the vice, as they were severely affected by those under the influence.
“As women, we are the ones who stay at home with children abusing drugs and we are the ones who suffer from Gender Based Violence (GBV) when they are under the influence.
“The situation has gone to the extent that even mothers are afraid of getting raped, they are living in fear in their communities.
“We are also being implored to build rehabilitation centres and we have seen our First Lady starting with this initiative, so we would like to thank her.
“This fight calls on us all to play an active role,” she said.
Bongani Ndlovu