Online Reporter
Blessing Karubwa
IN the heart of New Magwegwe suburb in Bulawayo, a seemingly innocuous house has become the epicentre of a growing crisis, one that is stealing the future of the community’s youth.
Locals are raising alarms about a notorious gathering spot where young teens, including school-going children, are lured into the world of drug abuse, specifically marijuana.
The house, located near the terminus, is reportedly unoccupied by its owner, creating a vacuum that allows an alarming culture of drug abuse to flourish.
“There is a house in New Magwegwe near where I stay, I think the owner is away; I am not really sure about that, but every morning and evening, there would be some school pupils from our community smoking weed. It is heart breaking to see. One of the pupils smoking marijuana there is my neighbour’s child, and he has become a shadow of his former self,” a concerned neighbour revealed.
This young neighbour, once a promising pupil, has become entrenched in the drug culture.
He has changed and become ruder, disrespecting his parents and the community at large, always shouting at people and speaking vulgar language.
“He no longer sleeps at home. He comes back only to change clothes and then disappears again. It is as if he is living in a different world,” the neighbour lamented in condition of anonymity.
The situation escalated when the boy was caught trying to claim money that was not his at a local shop, raising suspicions that he was involved in purchasing drugs for his peers.
Locals said the drug trade is thriving, with small sachets of marijuana selling for ZAR10 and larger quantities for US$1. With reports of drug sales extending beyond marijuana, including cough syrup, the situation is dire.
“We wanted to take the boy to the police, but he begged for forgiveness and returned the money. But nothing has changed. He’s still missing from home, and his health is deteriorating. As for the sellers, as long as money is coming in, they do not care who they sell to,” the source shared.
Tragically, this is not an isolated case. Another concerned resident, Martha Moyo, said the same sentiments and anguish, stating;
“Our children are no longer obeying us because of marijuana. My neighbour’s child has not been home in five days. People point to that house and say he is usually seen there, taking drugs.”
As the community grapples with this crisis, the need for intervention becomes increasingly urgent.
“We need help. This house has spoiled our children, and we do not know what to do,” said Martha Moyo, her voice filled with desperation.
In a separate interview, the distraught sister of the child who has spent days without coming home explained;
“We have a 16-year-old son who no longer wants to live at home. Even when we try to bring him back, he runs away. He’s become a chain smoker, and we don’t know how to help him. This drug house is ruining our children,” she said. -Follow on Twitter @TeamKarubwa
