Parents, community leaders hail blitz on drugs

Paidamoyo Bore
THE blitz on drug barons has once again been hailed by parents and community leaders who say the time has come to declare war on the menace.

Parents, who interacted with H-Metro, appreciate the work being done by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, different churches, non-governmental organisations, community leaders and the media among other organs in trying to expose drug peddlers in their different communities.

“As a parent, I appreciate ZRP efforts as they are now playing a crucial role in this fight.

“I now urge everyone to play their role in tipping off the police, anyone who is in this business, so that they face justice,” said Richard Mutangabende.

He suggested that all shacks, deserted houses and any areas where the youths are spending a lot of time, should be closely monitored.

Another parent, who is also a leader at Society for Pre and Post Natal Services (SPANS) Linos Muvhu, weighed the same sentiments.

“In as much as drug abuse campaigns are important, destroying the root supplier, the so-called bases, and the complete seizure of drugs, is now the way to go.

“It is important to put in place a sustainable solution. I pray that the actual kingpins are destroyed.

“It is our duty to denounce drug and substance abuse, offer rehabilitation to victims but all this becomes nothing when the problem is wrongfully tackled,” said Muvhu.

He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the behaviour of children and other family members they live with.

“I urge parents to also help in tracing where their children or other family members are getting these drugs from and notify the police.

“I also suggest that if communities feel that police in that area are not taking action they should take a step further because we want to save our youths and other members of the society,” said Muvhu.

Chief Musarurwa of Chivhu said they were also working with the police to make sure no illicit beer is being sold.

“In our area, we have introduced neighborhood communities which give police information about anyone who is selling drugs and substances.

“We have also banned our local traditional beer, popularly known as ‘Seven Days’.”