Chronicle Editor
Johnsias Mutonhori, Midlands Correspondent
THE Minister of Skills Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavhima has there are no sacred cows in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Responding to questions raised by stakeholders during the Midlands Provincial Committee meeting on elimination of drug and substance abuse recently in Gweru, Prof Mavhima said there were no sacred cows in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Stakeholders have sought clarification on the allegations that there were high profile people involved in the facilitation of importation and distribution of illicit drugs in the country.
Prof Mavima challenged the security sector to bring to book everyone caught participating either directly or indirectly in the drug syndicates. He said the security sector was capable of solving the problem.
“The security sector needs to clamp down on drug dealers without fear or favour because these drug dealers are killing the future of this country. There have been reports that some are paid by powerful people in order to turn a blind eye to these activities and we are saying no to that kind of corruption because the one paying the bribe and the one accepting the bribe are both killing the future of this country. The security sector is important in supply reduction and they should go after drug peddlers across the board in different places. They must close down those places and expose these people who are doing this heinous thing to our communities,” he said.
He said stakeholders were advocating for stiffer penalties to be imposed on those dealing with dangerous and illicit drugs. Midlands provincial social development officer Mr Taurai Mpofu said 84 people were arrested in the province between August and the beginning of October for drug and substance abuse, and the province was setting up facilities for drug rehabilitation centres.
“A total of 84 people were arrested in Midlands Province between August and October this year for drug and substance abuse-related crimes. Some were referred to court while others paid fines. A total of 13 were identified as suppliers and were also arrested. The most common drugs being abused in the Midlands Province are cannabis, Broncleer and crystal meth,” he said.
The provincial committee resolved to turn Dadaya Training Centre in Zvishavane into a rehabilitation centre.
The Government has set up committees from ward to national level to fight drug and substance abuse after realising its gravity.
Bongani Ndlovu