Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
TWENTY schools from Sanyati District today gathered at Jameson High School to take part in soccer and netball games to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse in the district.
The sports gala was organised by the Mashonaland West Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce Committee, which is in the district for a week-long engagement with traditional leaders, churches, schools and other stakeholders as part of efforts to combat drug abuse.
Tomorrow, several community teams will battle it out for honours at the same venue, with the finals set for Friday when Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, is expected to grace the event.
During interactive sessions held on Tuesday, Chiefs Neuso and Hozhele expressed concern over the rising cases of drug and substance abuse in their areas, calling on councillors and the police to intensify efforts to curb the problem.
The taskforce heard that rural communities were facing challenges due to the proliferation of illicit brews, which have been linked to an increase in violent crimes, including murder cases.
An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Detective Sergeant Tatenda Tungwarara, who leads the Supply Reduction Pillar of the provincial taskforce, said the province had recorded nearly 700 drug abuse-related arrests, with offenders receiving varying sentences of up to seven years in prison.
Provincial Mental Health Officer Mr Tichaona Mahachi, who leads the Treatment and Rehabilitation Pillar, warned that learners were coming up with sophisticated ways of getting intoxicated, including fermenting fruit juices and certain cereal brands.
The committee was in Kariba Rural District last week, where various concerns were raised, resulting in communities joining hands with the taskforce to develop feasible and sustainable solutions to fight the scourge.
Charles Duri