Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released an additional 27 names of drug dealers aged between 20 and 55 years who were arrested and convicted in a nationwide crackdown targeting drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The convictions come as the Government continues to intensify efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, which has emerged as a major social and economic challenge, particularly among young people.
In 2023, the Government allocated $500 million under the Drug and Substance Abuse Mitigation Fund to accelerate high-impact interventions aimed at curbing the proliferation, trafficking and abuse of illicit substances.
President Mnangagwa also set up an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse as part of his administration’s efforts to arrest the scourge, which remains a great threat to the attainment of Vision 2030.
In a statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said there was no going back in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police press statement in which 55 drug peddlers were named and shamed. The Police released the other 27 names of drug peddlers who were arraigned before courts and sentenced to varying prison terms,” he said.
They are Reality Sibanda (33) of Magwegwe, who was jailed 20 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Ayanda Ndiweni (34) of Pumula South, Bulawayo, who was jailed 15 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Divine Zulu (20) of Mpopoma, Bulawayo, who was jailed 14 months for unlawful possession of dagga.
Others are Samuel Tamboonei (37) of Dillon Road, Paddonhurst, Bulawayo, jailed 30 months for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines, Namukwa Kudzanani (37) of Mahatshula, Bulawayo, 12 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga, Precious Moyo (33) of Emakhayeni, Fort Rixon, 24 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga, Valentine Bhebhe (35) of Matole Homestead, Lower Gweru, five years in jail for unlawful possession of dagga.
Lucias Moyo (55) of Randeni Road, Bulawayo was jailed nine years for dealing in dangerous drugs while Theophilus Sithole (42) of Nkulumane 5, Bulawayo was jailed for 12 months for dealing in dangerous drugs.
Mlungisi Dube (30) of Likani Dube’s Homestead, Plumtree was jailed 18 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Melinkosi Moyo (26) of Mathendele, Plumtree was jailed 24 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Simelinkosi Sibanda (40) of Skhulu Village, Plumtree and Thaboluhle Mpofu (27) of Skhulu Village, Zimnyama, Plumtree were each jailed to 36 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga.
Others were Ntando Ndlovu (49) of Jama Village, Plumtree was jailed 36 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Jitani Moyo (43) of Qume, Masendu Central, Madlambuzi was also jailed to 36 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga, Forget Sibanda (25) of Karamantshi Village, Silobela and Mongameli Tshaka (21) of Pumula South, Bulawayo were each jailed to 12 months imprisonment for smoking dagga. Valentine Moyo (21) of Siyephi Village, Sikhathini, Plumtree was convicted and sentenced to 12 months in prison for unlawful possession of a stub of dagga while Rosemary Revai Mafaiti (32) of Hill Compound, Mazowe was sentenced to 30 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga.
Innocent Chiurira (31) of Chiwaridzo Phase 2, Bindura was jailed 12 months for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs, Ester Phiri (36) of Overspill, Epworth, Harare was jailed 24 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Nigel Mukozho (25) of Budiriro was jailed 12 months for unlawful possession of dagga. Nigel Jim (25) of Clusters, Bindura was jailed 15 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Noleen Nyathi (39) of Old Lobengula, Bulawayo was jailed 12 months for unlawful possession of dagga, Abel Guni (20) of Emganwini, Bulawayo was jailed 12 months imprisonment for smoking dagga, Gideon Maregedze (32) of Mpopoma, Bulawayo, 24 months for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs, Joseph Masina (45) of Sizinda, Bulawayo was jailed 12 months for unlawful possession of dagga while Calistus Mlalazi (38) of Yeatman Road, Northend, Bulawayo was sentenced to 12 months in prison for unlawful possession of dagga.
Comm Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against drug and substance abuse. The public should continue to supply information on drug peddling to the Police through the National Complaints Desk number, (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197.”
