Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
RESIDENTS of Mabuthweni suburb in Bulawayo have sounded the alarm over an escalating drug abuse crisis, urging authorities to act swiftly following the tragic death of a two-year-old child earlier this month.
The toddler reportedly died after his mother allegedly smoked crystal meth, commonly known as mutoriro, a drug increasingly associated with violent behaviour and neglect among users.
The infant, Sibusiso Dube, died on November 3 under circumstances police described as “deeply disturbing”, following a crystal meth binge involving his mother, Rejoice Dube (22) and her friend, Junior Sibanda (31).
According to reports, the young mother admitted she was high on crystal meth when she breastfed her baby on the night of November 3, before passing out.
She allegedly slept so heavily that she only woke up around 7am, long after the baby should have been checked. Still under the influence, Dube again breastfed the child before drifting back to sleep. When she finally woke up around 9am, the baby was unresponsive, police said.
A panicked Dube alerted Sibanda, who then contacted a neighbourhood watch committee member, Thulani Khanyi (45), who escorted her to Western Commonage Police Station to file a report.
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns among residents, who say drug abuse in the suburb has reached crisis levels. Community members who spoke to a Chronicle news crew yesterday said drug use, particularly among youths, has become rampant, with dens operating openly and addicts roaming the streets at all hours. “We are living in fear. Our children are no longer safe. Every other day we hear of someone overdosing, fighting, or collapsing because of drugs,” said one resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons.
Residents said the baby’s death should serve as a wake-up call to authorities.
“That child’s death was preventable. If action had been taken earlier, maybe this tragedy could have been avoided,” said another.
They have appealed for increased police visibility, closure of drug-selling points and community awareness campaigns. “We need more patrols, arrests and rehabilitation centres. The youth here are trapped in addiction,” said another resident.
They urged policymakers to work with law enforcement and social welfare officials to ensure vulnerable families receive help before more tragedies occur.
Police are yet to issue a formal statement outlining steps to address the growing concern in Mabuthweni. Bulawayo provincial spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, was unavailable for comment but had earlier indicated that police would launch a campaign in the neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, community members have vowed to keep speaking out until decisive action is taken.
“We cannot wait for another life to be lost. The time to act is now,” said an elderly resident.
