adminTawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Chiredzi residents have challenged police to act on the upsurge of drug pushing and substance abuse in the town.
In separate interviews last week, residents said drug abuse, mostly by the youths, had become a perennial headache.
They said though some of the drug peddlers were known to them, the police seemed reluctant to act.
Chairperson of the Chiredzi Residents and Rate Payers Association Mr Jonathan Muusha Mupamombe said they were worried about the manner in which the police were handling issues of drug peddling, adding that they were of the view that the police were protecting some of the criminals.
“The abuse of drugs such as Bron-clear, Musombodia and Maragado is on the rise in Chiredzi,” he said. “As residents, we are very much concerned with the rate at which youths are engaging in this horrendous act.
“Last year, we lost some young lives, who, after taking these drugs committed suicide. Activities like these create a bad image of our town.
“We cannot fold our hands when criminal activities continue unabated. The drug peddlers are known to both members of the community and the police.
“We urge the police to deal decisively with these people who continue to sell poisonous substances to our children.”
Mr Mupamombe said the dragging of feet by the police in dealing with drug lords was worrisome.
Some of the residents attributed the rise in incidents of drugs and substances abuse to the unavailability of recreational facility to occupy the youths in the town.
“The rate at which drugs are being abused must send signals to the authorities at Chiredzi town council to act,” said one of the residents Mr Emmanuel Matimba.
“They (town council) should resuscitate sports and recreational facilities, where the youth may spend time productively rather than abusing drugs.”
Acting police spokesperson for Masvingo province Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said he would verify the reports with police in Chiredzi.
“I will get back to you,” he said.
“I still need to verify with police in Chiredzi to establish if indeed they are receiving the reports you are referring to and the status of those cases.”
Online Reporter