National

Zimbabwe’s drug crisis: Experts call for reform over punishment

Published

6 months ago

September 8, 2025

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

On Sunday, an enlightening X Space meeting delved into the escalating drug crisis in Zimbabwe, featuring critical insights from speakers African Queen and Syllogism. Their discussions shed light on the systemic challenges that continue to exacerbate drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

African Queen characterized the need for “willpower in the political system” as fundamental to successfully addressing the crisis. Drawing parallels with success stories from other nations, she stated, “Consider South Africa, which has successfully sent numerous professionals to Cuba for training. If Zimbabwe’s leadership genuinely wants to see its nation thrive, they must invest similarly in addressing the root causes of drug abuse. We cannot simply implement punitive measures; we need to create a narrative that builds awareness and educates our people.”

Critically, she expressed her discontent with government responses that focus on punishment rather than support. “What I do not like personally is a punitive government,” she explained. “When faced with societal issues, the first instinct seems to be to penalize the very citizens who are struggling to survive amid these problems. We want a government that engages with the public constructively rather than punishing them for attempting to escape their hardships.”

Highlighting a specific incident in Bulawayo, she referred to a recent proposal from the city council advocating punitive measures for littering, noting that it falls short of the necessary educational initiatives. “They want to impose fines, suggesting that citizens should inherently know better, but there’s been no concerted effort to educate them on why keeping our cities clean is crucial. Education should come before punishment to foster informed decision-making among the public.”

Syllogism echoed these sentiments while exploring the systemic challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with drug-related issues in Zimbabwe. “It’s interesting to observe discussions around illegal drugs, especially given the recent escalations we’ve seen in Harare, where there’s been a significant police presence on major roads,” he remarked. “However, the critical question remains: Are these enforcement officers truly equipped to detect drugs effectively?”

He elaborated, noting, “Zimbabwe’s laws and rehabilitation systems have been heavily modeled after those in the UK, establishing a structural framework for enforcement. Yet, the real issue resides in the execution of these laws. Our police face resource challenges—a lack of sniffer dogs, insufficient training, and low morale driven by low pay—that undermine their ability to combat drug trafficking effectively. This systemic weakness allows those with financial power to evade justice while the less fortunate bear the brunt of legal repercussions.”

Syllogism continued, emphasizing, “The current approach is detrimental; it allows big suppliers to bribe their way out of trouble, leaving the poor to face harsh consequences for minor infractions. To truly address the problem, we must rethink how we motivate our law enforcers and tackle the corruption that permeates the system. Without proper incentives, our highly functioning laws, police, courts, and prisons will remain ineffective.”

Both speakers highlighted the alarming trend of drug abuse in Zimbabwe, noting that approximately 80% of the population acknowledges the issue as a serious concern. This crisis disproportionately affects the youth, making education and preventive programs vital to stemming the tide of addiction.

The police have recently ramped up efforts to combat drug abuse, with significant seizures reported. In one operation, law enforcement intercepted vehicles carrying over 60 kilograms of illegal substances, alongside multiple arrests, including a group of foreign Chinese nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking offenses in Harare.

National

Government launches nationwide dog vaccination drive amid surge in rabies cases

Published

2 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Government has launched an urgent nationwide dog vaccination campaign following a surge in rabies cases across Zimbabwe.

In a statement posted over the weekend, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said the country is experiencing a significant rise in rabies infections, largely linked to domestic dogs and wild jackals.

Permanent Secretary Prof. Obert Jiri confirmed that 650,000 doses of rabies vaccine have been secured from Botswana — exceeding the country’s usual annual requirement — to contain the escalating threat.

The Ministry said the campaign will be rolled out in the coming weeks across all provinces, targeting hotspots near national parks and conservancies, as well as urban areas that have recorded increasing cases.

Prof. Jiri stressed the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention following dog bites, warning that rabies is fatal in humans once symptoms appear.

He appealed to dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated, saying collective action remains the primary defence against the deadly disease and is critical in preventing further fatalities.

National

Matabeleland North flags aid discrimination as provinces record widespread violations

Published

2 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Matabeleland North recorded cases of discrimination in government aid distribution and political interference in community leadership, as human rights violations were reported across all provinces in January, according to the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP).

In Matabeleland North, five violations were documented.

“On 9 January 2026, in Ward 29 (Emphafeni), farmers reported irregularities in agricultural input distribution, including selective allocation of groundnuts and maize seed to ruling party supporters, and sharing of 50kg fertiliser bags among three farmers, raising concerns over fairness and equal access to government assistance,” the report states.

In Binga South, a village secretary was removed from his position “for not aligning with ruling party positions, affecting his political rights and freedom of association.”

In Matabeleland South, four violations were recorded, mainly involving political intimidation. In Gwanda, individuals allegedly invaded Vubachikwe Mine claiming political backing, while in Bulilima West, villagers were reportedly threatened with losing land under the land reform programme if they did not support the “2030” agenda.

Bulawayo recorded two violations, including a case where “a visually impaired woman was denied bus transport from Bulawayo to South Africa despite having valid travel documents and fare, raising concerns of discrimination based on disability.” Residents in Old Magwegwe also reported prolonged sewage blockages exposing families to health risks.

Midlands province recorded 13 violations, including environmental concerns in Redcliff and Kwekwe over potential water contamination linked to gold processing chemicals. In Zhombe, political interference prevented enforcement of a court sentence in an assault case. In Silobela, police disrupted a Gukurahundi memorial service organised by a human rights group.

Masvingo recorded 19 violations, including the assault and arrest of a female vendor at SimRac Shopping Complex. The report says her goods were destroyed in what it describes as harassment of informal traders. Patients at Mashoko Hospital and Gawa Clinic also faced high user fees and limited medication.

Mashonaland West recorded 10 violations, including alleged irregularities in agricultural input distribution in Magunje and assault linked to ruling party supporters in Sanyati.

Mashonaland East documented six violations. In Murehwa North, “Provincial Chairperson and Minister Daniel Garwe threatened individuals in Ward 30, warning that those supporting the opposition CCC would be excluded from community programs and that anyone associating with CCC members could face violent reprisals.”

Mashonaland Central recorded four violations, including exclusion of community members, including persons with disabilities, from presidential agricultural inputs in Mt Darwin South, and learners being denied access to Grade 7 results over unpaid fees.

Harare recorded 16 violations, including assaults linked to political intolerance, disruption of civic gatherings, politicisation of borehole water access in Glenview, and the detention of a political activist over a planned protest.

Manicaland recorded the highest number of violations at 31. ZPP said incidents involved “state security agents, ruling party members, war veterans, and local authorities,” including intimidation of a human rights defender in Chimanimani and disruption of a community meeting in Nyanga South.

Overall, ZPP said the January data reflects “continued structural and institutional challenges in the protection, promotion, and fulfilment of human rights,” reinforcing the need for strengthened accountability and rights-based governance across the country.

National

Police arrest six in major drug busts across the country

Published

2 weeks ago

February 17, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY BANDILE TSHUMA

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested six suspects in separate incidents involving the unlawful possession and cultivation of dangerous drugs across the country.

In a press statement written on Monday, police said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse.

On Sunday , police in Plumtree intercepted a Toyota Quantum vehicle and arrested Msawenkosi Ndlovu (49) and Vengai Chawa (41). The two were found in possession of 5 124 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup (100ml) and 4 170 bottles of Astra Pain cough syrup (100ml). The illicit substances are valued at approximately US$80 000.

In a separate case on the same day, police in Wedza arrested Emanuel Busemani (28) at Plot 7 Investment Farm in Melfort, Goromonzi in connection with the unlawful cultivation of dagga.

Meanwhile, in Bubi, Lacken Tshuma (55) and Owner Muleya (32) were arrested on Monday at Inunwa Ranch for unlawful cultivation of dagga.

In another incident on Friday, Tinashe Mero Shoko (22) and Eliot Badza (33) were arrested at a house in Garikai, Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge after police recovered 100 kilogrammes of dagga.

Police reiterated that the fight against drug and illicit substance peddling and trafficking will continue for the safety and security of Zimbabweans.

The ZRP urged members of the public to provide information on drug lords, dealers and criminal syndicates. Reports can be made through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703 631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station.