Arron Nyamayaro
About 95 people have been arrested for drug- and substance-related offences in Warren Park since January, with some serving prison sentences, a senior police officer has said.
Chief Superintendent Manuel Usiku, the officer commanding Harare North District, made the remarks at the Warren Park Community Drugs and Substances Awareness Campaign on Friday .
The campaign brought together church groups, the City of Harare, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the police to raise awareness about drug and substance abuse.
Chief Supt Usiku said residents were calling on police to intensify efforts against drug hotspots, syndicates and suppliers.
He described drug abuse a “silent, devastating enemy” affecting homes, schools and neighbourhoods, and said the problem required a united response from police, schools, families and young people.
“The battle against drug and substance abuse is one we cannot afford to lose,” he said, adding that young people were a key target for dealers.
He urged students experiencing stress, anxiety or emotional difficulties to seek help from a teacher, parent or another trusted adult.
Addressing teachers and school administrators, Chief Supt Usiku said they were often among the first to notice changes in learners’ behaviour, attendance or academic performance.
He encouraged schools to create supportive environments where students could seek help without fear of harsh judgement.
He also called on police officers to uphold the law with integrity and urged residents to share information about the manufacture and distribution of drugs so that police could act against those networks.
“Children are victims; the dealers are the criminals,” he said.
Chief Supt Usiku urged parents and neighbours not to ignore signs that young people might be abusing substances. He encouraged families to pay attention to children’s friendships and changes in their habits, and to provide emotional support at home.
He also called for more sports, arts and other community activities to give young people positive ways to use their time and talents.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Tariro Tizora, representing the City of Harare’s Head of Education and Social Services, said substance misuse could harm physical and mental health, education, employment, family relationships and personal safety.
She said prevention efforts should be strengthened while ensuring that people affected by substance misuse were treated with dignity and supported in recovery and reintegration.
Tizora said sports, arts and empowerment programmes could help young people build resilience, develop skills and find meaningful alternatives to harmful behaviour.
She added that the City’s vision of becoming a Smart City of Choice by 2030 should include safe communities, opportunities for young people and responsive social services.
She urged families, schools, local authorities, government, civil society and development partners to work together, and said awareness campaigns should be followed by practical community programmes.
“Let this programme mark a renewed commitment to collective action,” she said.
Mrs Marimo, representing the Schools District Inspector, said drug and substance abuse was contributing to school dropouts, unwanted pregnancies and poor academic performance among learners.
Police and Municipal police bands provided entertainment and school children recited poems against drugs and substances abuse.
