Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
AS the school holidays come to an end and schools prepare to reopen for the new term, police have urged parents and guardians to monitor their children to prevent them from abusing drugs and substances.
Such exposure sometimes occurs at school, facilitated by drug peddlers.
In recent years, reports of unscrupulous individuals introducing schoolchildren to drugs have increased, resulting in some children adopting wayward behaviours. However, police believe that concerted efforts by authorities and parents can help build a drug-free society.
In a public warning to the community, Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda encouraged parents to consistently check their children’s belongings.
He noted that boarding school students are particularly vulnerable, as drugs and substances can be hidden in their school luggage and later abused.
“It’s back-to-school time, and we implore parents and guardians to check their children’s luggage before they go to boarding school. Many times, schoolchildren are misguided by irresponsible citizens who introduce them to drugs, which they may then take to school.
“It’s high time we raise the red flag and hold accountable those errant elements in society who seek to institutionalise drug and substance abuse. We encourage citizens to report to the police anyone engaging in drug peddling,” said Insp Banda.
Drug and substance abuse has become a significant public health, socio-economic, and national security challenge, posing a potential threat to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Statistics from organisations such as the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network reveal that 60 percent of psychiatric admissions are due to drug abuse. Of those admitted, 80 percent are aged 16 to 25, including schoolchildren.
Unicef has reported that cannabis, legal alcohol, cough syrup, skunk, crystal meth, and illegal alcohol are the most abused substances in Zimbabwe. Among drug abusers, 41 percent are girls, and 59 percent are boys.
The Government has developed a multi-sectoral framework to foster a harmonised approach and communication among relevant stakeholders in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
One key strategy is increased education and awareness campaigns. In June last year, the Government launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030). This ambitious initiative aims to tackle the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse through a collaborative effort involving government ministries, agencies, and other stakeholders. The goal is to create a healthy and secure nation free from illicit drugs and substances.
In 2023, Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva called on Parliament to urgently enact stringent laws prescribing mandatory lengthy sentences for drug dealers to strengthen the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Justice Takuva made the remarks while opening the High Court Hwange Circuit, highlighting that existing laws on drugs are vague, causing law enforcement and prosecutors to face challenges in formulating appropriate charges. As a result, many drug dealers are acquitted due to legal technicalities.
— @ncubeleon
