Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have intensified their campaign against drug and substance abuse among schoolchildren, warning learners to shun Vuzu parties, gang violence and other risky activities during the August school holidays.
The intervention follows growing concern over the increasing involvement of youths in drug-related crimes.
Schools close on Thursday for the August break, with police saying they will deploy officers across Bulawayo to monitor public spaces, conduct stop-and-search operations for dangerous weapons and disperse gatherings of pupils suspected of engaging in criminal or disorderly behaviour.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele urged learners to prioritise their safety and avoid activities that expose them to drugs, alcohol abuse and violent crime.
“While we recognise the excitement surrounding the school holidays, we want to emphasise the potential dangers associated with certain activities, particularly Vuzu parties,” she said.
“These gatherings are associated with underage drinking, illegal activities and the risk of harm to participants and bystanders. Learners can become victims of sexual abuse, gang rape or be initiated into drug and substance abuse.”
Insp Msebele appealed to communities to report suspected Vuzu parties or preparations for such events, saying police had recently arrested several drug peddlers in Bulawayo and recovered significant quantities of dangerous drugs destined for the illicit market.
“We have recently arrested drug peddlers in Bulawayo and recovered large volumes of dangerous drugs, thereby protecting our children from substances that continue to destroy lives and futures,” she said.
Police have also expressed concern over increasing incidents of rival school gangs meeting in the central business district after classes, where pupils allegedly engage in fighting, bullying, drug peddling and alcohol abuse.
Insp Msebele said some learners were carrying dangerous weapons, including knives, screwdrivers and machetes, escalating the risk of serious injuries.
“Schoolchildren from different schools and some colleges gather in large numbers in the CBD after school, where they engage in activities that pose serious risks to their safety and well-being, including drug peddling, alcohol abuse and physical altercations,” she said.
“These behaviours not only endanger those involved but also create an unsafe environment for motorists and members of the public,” Insp Msebele said.
She urged learners to board transport immediately after school, proceed directly home and avoid unnecessary gatherings.
Parents and guardians were also encouraged to closely monitor their children’s movements during the holidays and discuss the dangers associated with drugs, alcohol and criminal activities.
Insp Msebele said police would work with neighbourhood watch committees, schools and communities to combat bullying and substance abuse.
“We will be stopping and searching schoolchildren for weapons and dispersing those loitering at gaming houses.
Fighting drug and substance abuse is a shared responsibility that requires the support of parents, schools and communities,” she said.
The warning comes as Zimbabwe continues to battle a growing drug and substance abuse crisis, particularly among young people.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly described drug and substance abuse as a national threat, leading to the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee tasked with coordinating prevention, rehabilitation and law enforcement efforts.
Government has also adopted a comprehensive national strategy involving the Ministries of Health and Child Care,
Primary and Secondary Education, Youth Empowerment, Sport, Recreation and Culture, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and community organisations.
In Bulawayo, police have in recent months intensified operations targeting drug suppliers and users, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of illicit substances including crystal methamphetamine (mutoriro), mbanje, broncleer cough syrup, illicit alcoholic beverages and unregistered pharmaceuticals.
The city has also witnessed increased awareness campaigns involving schools, churches, traditional leaders and civic organisations aimed at educating young people about the devastating effects of drug abuse.
Insp Msebele reiterated that safeguarding children requires a collective effort.
“Our appeal is for every parent, guardian and community member to play their part in protecting our children. Together, we can ensure they return to school safely after the holidays,” she said.
