Online Reporter
Matthew Masinge
THE message from scores of our readers was very loud and clear – HANDS OFF OUR SEX ENHANDING DRUGS.
Interestingly, even a good number of women joined the debate in support of these sex enhancing drugs.
Some even said the reason their marriages were still intact, right now, was because of these drugs.
“Without Bhuru (one of the most popular drugs), my marriage would have been over by now,” said a man who chose not to be identified.
“Things were very bad brother and I tried many things just to try and ensure that my bedroom was a happy place but the results were the same – disappointment.
“You really feel very powerless but after a friend introduced me to Bhuru, it worked wonders.
“I have been hooked on it since and I know that they say there are some medical issues but I had no choice and so far everything is fine with me.”
His remarks show that despite warnings from medical experts that taking such drugs could compromise the health of these people and, in some cases, even result in death, many are taking the risk.
H-Metro carried an article in our edition yesterday revealing that trade in the sex enhancing drugs was booming in Harare.
The drugs, allegedly smuggled into the country from places like Zambia and the DRC, are being sold from street corners to kombi ranks, while Facebook and WhatsApp have become major marketplaces.
Among the trending products is X-Drive Male Support, while “energy honeys” are also flying off the streets.
Bhuru Juice, believed to be an imitation of the popular Power Plus, is a cocktail of ginger, honey and lemon, sold as a quick bedroom “jump-start” for stressed and exhausted men.
Despite the warnings, many of our readers said the risk was worth it.
Some even claimed that without these sex-enhancing drugs, their marriages would have collapsed a long time ago.
Here are some of the reactions from our readers:
Kana akanwa before kugeza, ndinoziva anoshamisa. Kana akafa, toti afa achifadza mukadzi wake. − Mai Tinashe.
Zvinhu izvi zvararamisa dzimba dzakawanda. − Pam Rutendo Aya.
Vakadzi havasi kuguta bonde, saka tongoshandisa Power kana Bhuru. − Edwin Wochi.
I tried Bhuru and it gave me a serious headache. Never again. − Kushinga Kadewere.
Vakadzi taona nhamo mudzimba umu. − Catherine Daisy Mutambaneshiri
Zvimwe zvacho zvinorwarisa. − Chegotsi Nyoni
Chikabhanwa ichi, misha inofa. − Wilson Tawanda Kakurira
Marriage needs watering like vegetables. Bhuru riri kuita basa. − Mai Rudo
Our article highlighted that one of the drugs being advertised has been dubbed the X-Drive Male Support.
Those who are pushing it, mainly through Facebook, even have a message for their potential clients.
“Some days ask more from you. With the right natural support, you can feel energised, balanced and ready,” reads their flier.
“Our herbal blend is designed to help boost stamina, circulation and confidence so you can keep performing your best.”
Madam P. Ngidi is also running some adverts on Facebook.
“We permanently cure erectile dysfunction, kumutsa kwenhengo yababa,” she brags.
A number of shops in the capital now offer many of these unregistered sex-enhancing drugs for sale.
They are also sold openly at street corners in Harare, in the Avenues area and mainly at shopping centres where there are some major liquor outlets.
“These drugs are now also being sold in our major nightclubs, just the way they sell alcohol, but they are not sold from the counter,” said a source.
“They are sold via the waitresses.
“These women become the salespersons and they sell you the idea that they even have testimonies of men who tried these drugs and their performance levels in bed improved.
“Men, especially of a certain age, battle these challenges where their performances in bed, naturally, are not what they used to be when they were younger.
“The business is good and the demand is quite high. We now have people who are making a living selling certain coffees, which are said to boost performance in bed, and this is not happening in Harare only.”
In November last year, our sister television channel, ZTN Prime, produced a comprehensive piece on this underworld trade.
Their story had diverse voices with the users of the drugs, the sellers, sex workers, health experts and the police adding their views.
ZTN dubbed their piece ‘Hooked On PowerPlus.”
However, there is a catch.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) issued a warning against the use of such unregulated male sex enhancement products.
MCAZ spokesperson, Davison Kaiyo, said the authority cannot guarantee the safety of these products, as they were not registered.
“We are seeing a proliferation of male sex enhancement drugs being sold on the streets. these drugs are not registered by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and, therefore, we cannot vouch for their safety,” said Kaiyo. Local medical doctor, Misheck Ruwende, warned that the products pose serious health risks.
“These enhancers damage vital organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart. We have recorded cases where men experienced prolonged and painful erections after consuming PowerPlus,” Dr Ruwende said.
“We also have records showing that, at least, three men in Chipinge died after taking these illicit products because they did not know how to dose themselves.”
Police have also raised their concern.
