Mat’land South steps up fight against drug and substance abuse

MATABELELAND South Province has intensified the fight against drug and substance abuse, recording notable gains in law enforcement, rehabilitation and community engagement while calling on the private sector to support efforts to eradicate the scourge.

Official Government records indicate that a total of 73 suspects had been arrested by May 21, 2026, with 33 referred to court while 40 paid admission of guilt fines. Nine suspected suppliers of illicit substances were also arrested.

Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the province remains committed to implementing Government’s whole-of-society approach in tackling drug and substance abuse, which continues to threaten communities and hamper socio-economic development.

He said one of the major milestones was conducting support visits to Mangwe and Bulilima districts aimed at strengthening district coordination mechanisms, improving reporting systems, enhancing rehabilitation initiatives and promoting collaborative interventions.

“During the engagements, district drug and substance abuse structures were revitalised, while documentation, data collection systems and collaboration among Government departments, security agencies, development partners, churches and community stakeholders were strengthened,” said Nguluvhe in a latest press statement.

“The visits also assessed surveillance mechanisms at Plumtree Border Post, with a focus on combating drug trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities.”

The minister said among the key outcomes was the induction and re-orientation of district committees on their terms of reference and the National Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), after it emerged that some district structures were not fully functional.

Traditional leaders were also engaged to assess how they are handling drug and substance abuse issues within their communities.

Minister Nguluvhe said districts are now expected to work more closely with traditional leaders to strengthen community-based interventions.

At Plumtree Border Post, the provincial team inspected existing anti-smuggling infrastructure, including baggage scanners, mobile scanners for heavy vehicles, a canine unit and a drone operations station.

“Work is underway on a 100-kilometre drone surveillance system, which is currently 38 percent complete, to further strengthen border security and curb the movement of illicit substances. Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, 12 drug and substance abuse hotspots were identified during the week ending May 21,” said Minister Nguluvhe.

Through the Demand Reduction Pillar, 114 people were reached through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, said Minister Nguluvhe.

He said the harm treatment and rehabilitation pillar handled three cases during the review period.
“One case involved a 34-year-old man from Dulivhadzimu Township in Beitbridge who presented with drug-induced psychosis linked to crystal methamphetamine and marijuana abuse.

“The patient was treated and screened for HIV and RPR, with both tests returning negative results. The other two cases involved men aged 21 and 43 from Gwanda’s Marriage and Railways suburbs respectively.

“Both were diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis resulting from marijuana abuse and alcohol intoxication. They were treated and discharged,” said Minister Nguluvhe.

He also revealed that plans to rehabilitate and upgrade the provincial rehabilitation centre in Gwanda are at an advanced stage, adding that Treasury has released US$25 million for the project. The funds have already been transferred to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and a contract has been signed, with refurbishment works expected to commence soon following a site inspection by the contractor.

Minister Nguluvhe said under the Community Reintegration Pillar, three clients referred by the Ministry of Health and Child Care were received by the provincial department of social development office and referred to their respective districts for further management.
One client in Gwanda received psychological support services, while 12 home visits were conducted during outreach activities in Mangwe and Bulilima districts, providing counselling services to survivors and their families.

He commended community radio stations for their continued role in disseminating information and raising awareness on drug and substance abuse.

Despite the progress made, the minister acknowledged that resource mobilisation remains a major challenge.
He called on all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to support ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse and help realise the vision of a drug-free Zimbabwe.

“We remain vigilant and committed, as mandated by President Mnangagwa, to build a drug and substance-free Zimbabwe. However, resource mobilisation remains our biggest challenge. We, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, especially the private sector, to come on board in this fight against drug and substance abuse,” said Minister Nguluvhe.