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A 25-year-old drug peddler from Sakubva, Mutare was recently arrested at his residence and found with two kilogrammes of marijuana and a sachet of crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “mutoriro”.
Nilence Mhako (25) who operated from Devonshire, Sakubva, initially evaded arrest and fled.
He was, however, nabbed the following day after detectives from the Mutare Criminal Investigations Department (CID)’ Drugs and Narcotics Unit fired six warning shots.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Muzondo, confirmed the development to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/police-intensify-anti-drugs-operation/">The Manica Post</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
We confirm the arrest of Nilence Mhako of Devonshire, Sakubva. The Mutare CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit received information that Mhako was peddling drugs.
They reacted to the information by raiding Mhako’s residence. However, Mhako fiercely resisted arrest and fled.
The following day, the officers regrouped and went back to Mhako’s residence where they found him preparing a twist of dagga.
After the detectives identified themselves, he tried to evade arrest again and fiercely fought the detectives.
He was only subdued by the six warning shots that were fired by the police. That is how he was arrested.
We recovered two kilogrammes of dagga and one sachet of crystal meth from Mhako’s place.
As the police, we continue raiding drug peddlers’ havens and confiscating the drugs and substances.
</blockquote>
Insp Muzondo appealed to the public to continue cooperating with the police in exposing drug dealers and their hide-outs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Police Fire Six Warning Shots As Drug Peddler Resists Arrest

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a two-week drug awareness campaign in secondary schools across Matabeleland South Province.
The campaign is aimed at fighting drug and substance abuse which has become prevalent in schools.
Statistics released by the Police indicate that cases of drug and substance abuse recorded in Matabeleland South province rose by 172 percent from January to April this year, compared to the same period last year.
From January to April 2022, 18 cases were recorded in the province, and 49 cases were recorded over the same period this year.
ZRP spokesperson in Matabeleland South Province, Inspector Loveness Mangena told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/police-launch-drug-abuse-campaign/">Chronicle</a> that Police will visit a number of schools during the two-week period. She said:
<blockquote>
We have started a two-week educative crime awareness campaign targeting drug and substance abuse where we are visiting various secondary schools and engaging learners.
We are also talking about other crimes but our main focus is drug and substance abuse. We want learners to say no to drugs in order to save their lives.
The problem of drug abuse is destroying the lives of many youngsters and in some cases, lives have been lost. It’s a pity that this problem is being recorded even in school.
We want learners to act responsibly and be able to say no to drug abuse and other crime.
Pupils should report any acts of drug abuse which they see and they must report drug peddlers so that we might bring this problem to an end.
Communities are also encouraged to report businesses that operate beer outlets outside the law by allowing under-aged patrons and operating outside stipulated times.
</blockquote>
Some of the drug abuse cases have been recorded in schools like Gwanda, Madlambuzi, and Usher High Schools.
Several assault cases leading to aggravated assault or murder are suspected to result from drug abuse.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, tumbwa, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth (guka, dombo, mutoriro).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Launch Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign In Secondary Schools

An Indian court has suspended a 10-year jail term of a Zimbabwean national in a drugs-related case, <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/hc-suspends-10-year-jail-term-of-zimbabwean-national-in-narcotics-related-case/article67002328.ece">reported The Hindu</a>.
In suspending the sentence, the Delhi High Court noted that there was an alleged non-compliance with the procedure for sampling the seized substance and that the accused has already undergone over four years in custody.
Justice Anish Dayal said the standing orders issued by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Ministry of Finance ought to be respected by investigating agencies.
Dayal said the lack of compliance with these standing orders imports an element of reasonable doubt, which would also impact the issue of proving the guilt of the accused. The judge added:
<blockquote>
In this case, besides the fact that the appellant may have a case to argue on the issue of defective sampling at the time of seizure, the appellant has also undergone a substantial period of sentence and the appeal is likely to take some time for hearing.
</blockquote>
The ruling came after the accused appealed against her conviction and sentencing by a trial court.
Betty Rame (38), was arrested by a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team in April 2018 at the IGI Airport with two concealed bags full of a crystalline substance, which tested positive for Methamphetamine.
In August 2021, Rame was convicted and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment with a ₹1 lakh fine under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Rame’s lawyers argued that the NCB did not collect the sample as per norms.
They said the contraband was admittedly seized from two separate bags and that the bags were subsequently mixed.
The lawyers also contended that as per the standing order, the contents of the bags should not have been mixed to avoid the substance “losing its identity”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Indian Court Suspends 10-year Jail Term Of Zimbabwean Woman In Drugs Case

Zimdancehall artist Takura Chiwoniso, a.k.a Blot, was arrested by the police on Wednesday for drug abuse.
Blot was allegedly found using crystal meth in a parked Toyota Corolla by police officers.
A plastic bag containing some of the drugs was also recovered from the vehicle.
ZRP spokesperson in Harare Province Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest to H-Metro. He said:
<blockquote>
Police arrested an illicit drug abuse suspect in Sunningdale.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
</blockquote>
Drug and substance abuse is a growing problem in Zimbabwe, particularly among low-income and homeless youths.
Studies show that some young people start to abuse alcohol, drugs and other substances at the age of 12 years.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, tumbwa, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth (guka, dombo, mutoriro).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimdancehall Musician Blot Arrested Over Illicit Drug Abuse

A senior official in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says large schools with large numbers of learners have become breeding spaces for indiscipline and drug and substance abuse.
Makonde District Schools Inspector (DSI), Solomon Katoma said that it is difficult to monitor learners at learning institutions with a huge enrolment such as Nemakonde and as a result, pupils are exposed to drug and substance abuse. He said, as quoted by <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/https-www-newzimbabwe-com-top-schools-havens-of-indiscipline-drug-and-substance-abuse-says-education-ministry-official/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>:
<blockquote>
We have recently witnessed the emergence of mega schools with unusually large numbers of more than 3 000 like in the case of Nemakonde.
These are mostly in the ghetto, are congested and thereby difficult to manage, especially in terms of discipline of students who are exposed to drug and substance abuse which have lately gotten into our schools.
We are calling on communities to fight this menace together so that we protect the child because their future can be ruined if we don’t take steps to eliminate drug abuse.
We are working hand in glove with police and all law enforcement agencies to educate as well as try to uproot the cause of drug abuse because if we don’t cut the supply chain, we would have done nothing to protect kids from hazards they face daily.
</blockquote>
Katoma made the remarks while officiating at Matanah Christian Group of Colleges’ third anniversary held in Chinhoyi on Friday.
He urged more private players to invest in education by building schools to decongest already existing infrastructure to make the monitoring of learners easier.
Makonde District has 118 primary and 58 secondary schools.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mega Schools Havens For Drug And Substance Abuse, Says Education Official

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is using sports to fight drug and substance abuse among youths in Matabeleland South Province.
The SDA church, working with its partners, hosted a sports gala in Bulilima District to educate young people on the effects of the scourge.
On Sunday, the church held various sporting activities such as football, volleyball, basketball and netball.
Youths who spoke to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/06/13/church-uses-sport-to-fight-drug-and-substance-abuse/">ZBC News</a> welcomed the initiative saying young people now have something to keep them occupied. Said a youth:
<blockquote>
We appreciate this initiative to fight drug and substance abuse through sport because it makes youth have something to do in the rural area.
The fact that this initiative is not a once of thing but a program is an ongoing initiative and will help us as youths in the area to concentrate on the activities especially those that love sports.
</blockquote>
Brian Moyo of the Adventist Church said drug and substance abuse is no longer affecting urban societies only but has cascaded to rural areas as well. Moyo said:
<blockquote>
This is a good initiative but it is high time to take awareness campaigns to places that have been marginalised for a long period such as rural areas.
Although drug and substance abuse seems to be prevalent in urban areas, the effects are also being felt in rural areas.
There is a need to talk about how Omalayitsha are bringing drugstore from Botswana and South Africa supplying youths.
We are going to capacitate the youths around the area of Solusi so that we tackle this issue and avoid relapses.
</blockquote>
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, tumbwa, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth (guka, dombo, mutoriro).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SDA Church Uses Sport To Fight Drug And Substance Abuse

Zimbabwe spends more than US$400 million annually in importing medical drugs, a deputy director in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dayford Nhema has said.
Speaking at the launch of a local pharmaceutical firm Sapps Pharmaceuticals, Nhema said the bill for importing drugs was too high. <a href="https://www.theindependent.co.zw/business-digest/article/200012378/zim-spending-us400m-annually-on-drug-imports">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
In terms of imports of pharmaceutical products, Zimbabwe spends over US$400 million annually on imported drugs, estimated at almost 90%.
The importation process, coupled with transport costs, results in our citizens bearing the brand of expensive healthcare products.
</blockquote>
Nhema said it was important to capacitate the local industry to help the country save foreign currency. He said:
<blockquote>
The government is implementing the duty-free importation of pharmaceutical ingredients.
We are also implementing the local content strategy with the ultimate objective of seeing increased productivity in the pharmaceuticals sub-sector.
</blockquote>
Sapps Pharmaceuticals was licensed by the <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Medicines_Control_Authority_of_Zimbabwe">Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe</a> (MCAZ) in November 2021 and started manufacturing drugs last year becoming the 10th player in the manufacturing of medicine locally.
Its founder, Kudzai Hove, said that he started the company out of frustration as patients would come in need of medicines but they could not afford them.
Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association chairman Emmanuel Mujuru appeal for financial support for the industry.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Spending US$400m Annually On Medicinal Drug Imports - Govt

The Government says police have confiscated illicit drugs and substances valued at nearly ZWL$500 million from about 6 000 suspected drug dealers and users since the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Drug and Substance Abuse in 2022.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima, told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/rbz-introduces-gold-backed-digital-currency">The Sunday Mail</a> that some of the drugs seized by the tasks are crystal meth, cocaine, Ecstasy, dagga, Adco-Saltarpyn, BronCleer, Histalix and Benylyn. He said:
<blockquote>
Regarding supply reduction, the taskforce has managed to conduct surveillance activities across the country, leading to the arrest and prosecution of a cumulative 6 156 accused persons.
This was done through intensified surveillance, under Operation Clean Up Zimbabwe, where the taskforce managed to recover drugs and substances valued at $438 654 692, being crystal meth, cocaine, Ecstasy, dagga, Adco-Saltarpyn, BronCleer, Histalix and Benylyn.
</blockquote>
Mavima also said the taskforce undertook surveillance missions at the Beitbridge Border Post, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport.
He said the visits by the taskforce established that the porosity of border posts and airports, limited scanning equipment and limited staff capacity are the major causes of drugs and substances not being detected upon entry into Zimbabwe.
The Government recently established a $500 million drug and substance abuse mitigation fund towards the fight against drug and substance abuse. Said Mavima:
<blockquote>
The purpose of the fund is to finance activities of all the pillars in terms of surveillance, awareness raising, capacity-building, purchase of medication, rehabilitation and psycho-social support, as well as community reintegration support.
The fund is administered by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and all pillars access the funds upon request, in line with the budget and plan.
Additionally, there is room for special requests for additional funds whenever justifiable need arises.
</blockquote>
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Recover Illicit Drugs Worth $500 Million

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) commissioner-general, Godwin Matanga says the police force needs more resources to fully fight drug-related crimes, reported <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/drug-abuse-police-pleads-for-more-resources/">Business Times</a>.
Speaking at the Vision 2030 Movement engagement conference in Bulawayo last week, Matanga said currently the ZRP is not adequately equipped to fight the drug scourge. He said:
<blockquote>
These include high-powered motor vehicles for high-speed chases and low-cost vehicles for patrols and surveillance, state-of-the-art technologies at ports of entry and exit, as well as funding for more localised and international training to catch up with new skills requirements in this field.
</blockquote>
Matanga said police have arrested over 4 000 people, including 466 suppliers. He added:
<blockquote>
Again we confiscated and destroyed large quantities of substances. The drug mules from Brazil, India, Nigeria, and Latvia have been arrested while using undesignated points of entry to move the contraband.
</blockquote>
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, tumbwa, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth (guka, dombo, mutoriro).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Boss Pleads For More Resources To Combat Drug Abuse

ZANU PF has reinstated Robert Nyemudzo as the party candidate in Chipinge South constituency for the upcoming general elections, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zanu-pf-kicks-out-porusingazi-endorses-drug-lord-as-chipinge-poll-candidate/">ZimLive</a>.
Nyemudzo was declared the winner of a 25 March ZANU PF primary election but was disqualified after being accused of brewing illicit beer which was sold at Checheche Growth Point.
After Nyemudzo’s disqualification, the party installed businessman Enock Porusingazi, who is the sitting legislator, despite coming second in the primaries.
When Nyemudzo was disqualified, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said he (Nyemudzo) owned a factory brewing “Tumbwa”, a harmful illicit brew. Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
In Chipinge South, there was Robert Nyemudzo who was disqualified.
The reason is that he allegedly owns a factory at his home and it is one of the biggest brewers of Tumbwa.
I saw some frightening pictures of small bottles in their millions which are used to bottle this dangerous stuff.
</blockquote>
Nyemudzo later appeared before a magistrate charged with contravening the Harmful Liquids Act (Chapter 9:10) and was remanded to 24 April.
But in an unexpected twist of events, Nyemudzo has since been cleared of any wrongdoing by the party.
On Friday, he told State media that he was now the ZANU PF candidate in Chipinge South. Said Nyemudzo:
<blockquote>
I am very happy. Cde Porusingazi has pledged to work with me, and it is now a given, the party and the President will win resoundingly in Chipinge South because we are one.
The party conducted its own investigations which cleared my name against those allegations, but protocol does not allow me to comment on that.
Only the party’s provincial leadership can comment on those issues.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday, ZANU PF national political commissar Mike Bimha announced the party has concluded its final list of candidates for elections.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Reinstates "Tumbwa Brewer" As Chipinge South Candidate

Cabinet has approved the proposed structures for the establishment of the National Committee on the Elimination of Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe.
The Committee is expected to devise systematic and sustainable responses that will assist in curbing drug and substance abuse in the country.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said:
<blockquote>
Following Cabinet’s decision at its last Meeting to establish an institutional framework to decisively deal with the menace, Cabinet has decided to set up a National Committee on the Elimination of Drug and Substance Abuse.
The Committee will be empowered to come up with systematic and sustainable responses that will assist in ensuring that society is free of drug and substance abuse.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa added that most of the illicit drugs being consumed in Zimbabwe are imported. She said:
<blockquote>
Most of the dangerous drugs and substances being abused are imported, with the traffickers acting in cahoots with local drug lords and an array of criminal elements in our society.
</blockquote>
Drug and substance abuse is a growing problem in Zimbabwe, particularly among low-income and homeless youths.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Studies show that some young people start to abuse alcohol, drugs and other substances at the age of 12 years.
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cabinet Forms National Committee On The Elimination Of Drugs

The government has provided $500 million under the drug and substance abuse mitigation fund to accelerate the fight against drug abuse.
This was said by President Mnangagwa while officiating at the inaugural Development Conference towards a drug-free nation for the Attainment of Vision 2030 at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo on Wednesday. He said:
<blockquote>
It is my expectation that the $500 million availed by my government under the drug and substance abuse mitigation fund will accelerate high-impact activities and results in this fight to end drug abuse.
These activities should reach out to every corner of Zimbabwe, no one and no place should be left behind.
The need to mitigate the harm associated with substance abuse as well as negative health and psycho-social effects through the provision of holistic treatment services for affected individuals and families remains critical.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also said the government will establish more screening and counselling centres for drug and illegal substance abusers.
According to the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA), Zimbabwe’s illicit substance use problem increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Has Availed $500 Million To Fight Drug Abuse - ED

A man believed to be 23 years old from Mawane village in the Garanyemba area of Gwanda ran amok and destroyed property belonging to his neighbour.
The suspect, Jasper Sibanda, accused his elderly neighbour identified as Gogo MaNdlovu of spreading lies about him. He destroyed her three houses.
Ward 13 Mawane councillor Mitlas Ndlovu confirmed the incident to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200010063/gwanda-youth-runs-amok">Southern Eye</a> saying Sibanda is currently on the run. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The incident happened last week on Friday around 11 pm, he wanted to kill Gogo MaNdlovu’s two nieces accusing them of gossiping about him.
When they (nieces) heard him threatening to kill them they ran away from home together with their granny and hid in the bush.
That is when Sibanda started destroying the homestead until 4 AM.
There is a big challenge here in Garanyemba of youths engaging in a lot of drug abuse. We need a police station here to curb all these activities.
Another elderly woman from Mawane 2 was also raped last week by another youth. I do not know why these youths are targeting old women.
</blockquote>
Ndlovu said the matter was reported to the police.
According to the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA), Zimbabwe’s illicit substance use problem increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Very high unemployment rates in Zimbabwe, coupled with poverty and despair, have resulted in increasing numbers of youthful citizens also turning to use drugs as a way of entertainment.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gwanda Youth Ran Amok, Destroys 3 Houses

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church held a child-dedicated service in Emganwini, Bulawayo on Saturday to fight drug abuse.
Emganwini Seventh-day Adventist church district pastor Obadiah Ngwenya told <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200010023/sda-joins-drug-abuse-fight">Southern Eye</a> that the service was held under the theme: “There is Peace in the Midst of a Storm”.
He said that 77 children participated and dedicated themselves to God. Said Ngwenya:
<blockquote>
Among them were 25 non-Adventists, who were accompanied by their family members.
Child dedication is a service that acknowledges that God is the only one who knows how to safeguard children.
God protects and guides the children and baptises them with the Holy Spirit.
The whole assurance of protection comes from God so that children are protected from all the social ills of this world.
</blockquote>
Ward 26 councillor Mpumelelo Moyo commended the church for participating in the fight against drug abuse. Moyo said:
It is important for the church to take a leading role in the fight against drug and substance abuse, and to groom young people to become responsible citizens.
According to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.15729">the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA)</a>, Zimbabwe’s illicit substance use problem increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Very high unemployment rates in Zimbabwe, coupled with poverty and despair, have resulted in increasing numbers of youthful citizens also turning to use drugs as a way of entertainment.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, people who have problems with drug abuse can be assisted at the following public as well as private health centres:
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SDA Church Joins Fight Against Drug And Substance Abuse

A 71-year-old foreign national was arrested on Saturday at the Robert Mugabe International Airport while trying to smuggle drugs worth ZWL$3 million.
The drug mule, Hans Arne Ingemar Petersson, had 3 kilogrammes of heroin stashed in a plastic bag that was in one of his traveling bags.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest. He said:
<blockquote>
On 08 April 2023, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics, Harare acted on the received information and arrested a foreign national, Hans Arne Ingemar Petersson (71) at RGM Airport, in connection with possession of 3kgs of Heroin with an estimated street value of ZWL$3 400 000.00.
The drugs were recovered stashed in a plastic bag, which was in a false compartment created in a suitcase.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.15729">the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA)</a>, Zimbabwe’s illicit substance use problem increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commonly used substances in Zimbabwe include glue, bronclee, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Very high unemployment rates in Zimbabwe, coupled with poverty and despair, have resulted in increasing numbers of youthful citizens also turning to use drugs as a way of entertainment.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, people who have problems with drug abuse can be assisted at the following public as well as private health centres:
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Police Intercept 71 Year Old Drug Mule Carrying $3 Million Heroin

Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS) held a drug and substance abuse campaign in Tagarika 3 Flats, Mbare, Harare, on Wednesday last week and engaged drug users, victims of drug abuse and concerned citizens.
Mbare is considered one of the country’s drug hotspots and has witnessed a rise in cases of rape, school dropouts, teen pregnancies, family disputes, delinquency and theft.
In a statement, Shamwari Yemwanasikana urged members of the public to join the fight against drug and substance abuse. It said:
<blockquote>
Mbare has no stability and not every child has access to educational material or can afford to go to school.
As a result, they end up resorting to drugs and substances such as glue, broncleer, mangemba, cane sprit, marijuana, codeine and crystal meth.
The situation we encountered while conducting our campaign is very disheartening and it is sad that we are letting an entire generation go down the drain because of pressure from drug users and from things they encounter in their communities.
</blockquote>
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, people who have problems with drug abuse can be assisted at the following public as well as private health centres:
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Shamwari Yemwanasikana Tackles Drug Abuse In Mbare

Harare model Tumelo Nare will spend more time behind bars after she was on Wednesday further remanded in custody to next month.
The police requested more time to finalise investigations into her drug case.
<a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/model-nare-to-spend-more-time-behind-bars/">H-Metro</a> reported that Nare, who is being charged together with Precious Bango, was remanded to 7 April.
The duo first appeared in court at the beginning of March but were denied bail on the basis that they are facing a serious offence.
The magistrate ruled that the two failed to give a reasonable defence making them unsuitable candidates for bail.
<h2>The Allegations</h2>
The court heard that Nare, Bango, and one Jason Leeroy Pamhidzai, who is at large, checked into a local hotel.
At around 6.30 PM on 5 February, the two women allegedly started behaving strangely strolling around the hotel naked.
Delegates attending a seminar at the hotel called the police who went and arrested the duo.
The police found cocaine, an illegal drug, in their hotel room.
In their bail application, the two told the court that Pamhidzai was the cocaine consumer and that Nare, who is epileptic, had seizures.
They claimed that Nare started bleeding from the nose and Bango ran around the corridors seeking for help.
<h2>Drug Menace In Zimbabwe</h2>
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, people who have problems with drug abuse can be assisted at the following public as well as private health centres:
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
<blockquote>
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
On 03 February this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/police-declare-war-on-drug-dealers">launched a nationwide operation</a> dubbed “No to Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances: See Something, Say Something” to clamp down on drug cartels responsible for distributing illicit substances such as crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and illegal cough syrups.
Speaking on 20 February in Ethiopia during a wide-ranging interview with Zimbabwean journalists where he was attending an African Union summit, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-speaks-on-drugs/">President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the government</a> will soon review the law on dangerous drugs. He said:
<blockquote>
As you may be aware, we have recently moved in on dealing with the question of drugs among the youth.
I have instructed the police that anybody found drunk anywhere must be picked up and arrested and tell us where he got the drugs.
We are asking all institutions in the country churches and schools where ever you find people dealing with drugs or young people using drugs they must be arrested and make sure we protect our young people from drugs.
We also think the parents must take responsibility if they are unable to control their children they must report to the police what is happening because that will save their children.
We are going to be harsh in dealing with this issue especially those that bring drugs into the country.
We may, down the line, look at the sentencing of drug peddlers and increase the sentence.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Model Tumelo Nare To Spend More Time Behind Bars

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has advised drug addicts and the relatives of those with drug abuse problems to seek professional help.
In a statement, the Ministry said people who have problems with drug abuse can be assisted at public as well as private health centres. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
In case you have a son, daughter, friend, or relative who has a problem with drug abuse, the following public psychiatric institutions offer help in fighting drug addiction:
1. Sally Mugabe Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
2. Parirenyatwa Annex Psychiatric Unit (Harare)
3. Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital (Bulawayo)
4. Ngomahuru Hospital and Half-way House (Masvingo)
The following institutions also offer counselling and rehabilitation services for patients battling drug addiction:
1. Highlands Halfway Home +2638644210999
2. Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238
3. Serenity Mind Centre +263716825245
4. Tirivanhu Rehabilitation +263773593014
5. Beatrice Rehabilitation Harare
6. Tariro Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

LIST: Centres Helping Drug Addicts Recover

Police have launched a manhunt for ten (10) suspected drug kingpins in Harare who are believed to have been supplying illicit drugs to the public.
<a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/manhunt-for-10-drug-kingpins/">The Sunday News</a> reported that over the past two weeks, law enforcement agents have arrested over 1 500 drug dealers across the country under a multi-agency operation codenamed “No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances: See something, say something”.
Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Tafadzwa Muguti said the Government will ensure that all drug dealers are brought to account. He said:
<blockquote>
Once the police have reasonable suspicion that you are dealing in drugs, they have no choice but to call you in for questioning.
In Harare Province, I understand at least 10 well-known drug lords are on the run and police are looking for them.
As Government, we will continue to pour resources into the operation to make sure all those responsible for selling drugs are brought to book.
</blockquote>
Muguti added that about 40 percent of those arrested during the operation were from Warren Park. He said:
<blockquote>
For the benefit of those who may not understand our position on drugs, it’s very simple: If you buy drugs, you take drugs, you sell drugs or you transport drugs, this means you are part of the value chain of the drug industry. All of the above are illegal activities.
No fish is too small or too big; as long as you play a role, you will face the music.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said:
<blockquote>
We can neither deny nor confirm that specific individuals are wanted for questioning, but police have intensified investigations into several suspected drug kingpins.
Some have gone into hiding, but police will not leave any stone unturned as we continue with the operation across the country.
To date, about 1 500 people have been arrested in connection with their involvement with drugs across the country.
So far, police have recovered large quantities of mbanje, crystal methamphetamine — commonly referred to as mutoriro — and bottles of banned addictive cough syrups such as BronCleer, Benylin with Codeine and Adco-Salterpyn syrup, among other illicit substances in a recent raid in Mbare.
Some of the houses we raided were being used by people as waiting rooms, but are now being occupied by some families who were engaging in criminal activities such as brewing illicit and dangerous substances, which promote drug and substance abuse and related criminal activities.
</blockquote>

Police Launch Manhunt For 10 Suspected Drug Kingpins

Drug abusers will no longer be treated as victims but as criminals, a senior government official has said.
Harare Metropolitan Affairs and Devolution secretary Tafadzwa Muguti on Friday said treating drug users as victims will not help in ending the scourge of drug abuse.
He was speaking at the launch of a national anti-drug operation dubbed No To Dangerous Drugs And illicit Substances; See Something Say Something. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006999/govt-declares-war-on-drug-abusers">NewsDay</a> quoted Muguti as saying:
<blockquote>
We have stopped looking at rehabilitation first before arrest because that is the mistake we were doing.
If we find someone who is under the influence of drugs, the law says that you can be arrested for being drunk and intoxicated in public.
So as it is, anyone who is found under the influence of drugs is eligible to arrest and they will tell us when they get sober where they would have bought the drug.
If we continue treating drug users as victims while they know exactly where the drugs are coming from, we won’t stop this pandemic.
</blockquote>
Police in Harare on Friday arrested 10 drug users and peddlers, with one of them found in possession of 50 bottles of Bron Cleer cough syrup.
During the raid yesterday, several drug users were nabbed at police roadblocks in Southerton.
Muguti said drug dealers are operating mainly from high-density suburbs and transporting the drugs using passenger vehicles. He said:
<blockquote>
As you saw today, we have captured a number of drug lords who were actually transporting drugs using passenger vehicles.
We are now aware that drug lords are now using high-density suburbs as safe havens. 
Government raised concern over the increasing involvement of schoolchildren in drug and substance abuse and implored school heads to treat drug offences as criminal offences, not as disciplinary offences.
</blockquote>

Drug Abusers To Be Treated As Criminals, Not Victims - Muguti

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says it has mechanisms in place to deal with drug and substance abuse in schools in order to create a safe learning environment for all learners.
This comes after Dominican Convent High School in Harare expelled eight learners who were allegedly found in possession of drugs stashed in their belongings during a recent school trip to Nyanga.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said that school heads are obliged to suspend a learner for 14 days where they reasonably suspect them of serious misconduct, pending investigation. He further explained:
<blockquote>
If the head is satisfied, after a fair hearing, that the learner is guilty of serious misconduct that merits expulsion after consultation with the district schools inspector, then the pupils will be expelled.
Where a head has decided to expel a learner, they should give the parents written notice of the date on which the expulsion is to take effect, and, in the notice, they should state the reason for the decision to expel the learner.
Upon being notified of the expulsion, parents may appeal in writing to the provincial education director within 14 days of receiving the notice.
While the appeal is being determined, the learner who has been expelled is permitted to attend school.
However, provided that if the head of the school believes, on reasonable grounds, the learner’s attendance may lead to indiscipline or may result in injury of another person or damage to property, the head can prevent the learner from attending school for no more than a month after the appeal has been launched.
</blockquote>
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police are carrying out the investigations into the Dominican Convent matter. | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/measures-to-tackle-drug-abuse-in-schools">The Sunday Mail</a>

Govt Says There Are Mechanisms To Tackle Drug Abuse In Schools

A Zimbabwean national was on Friday arrested for possession of drugs and attempted bribery in South Africa.
Western Cape police confiscated 30 bags of Mandrax tablets worth R1.5 million from the Zimbabwean national.
Police attached to the provincial narcotics unit were doing routine checks on Friday morning along the N1 in Beaufort West when they busted the Zimbabwean.
Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Christopher Spies said the suspect allegedly offered the police officers R400 for safe passage. He said:
<blockquote>
On Friday morning at about 9.30 AM, members of the team were busy with routine vehicle checks along the N1 when they spotted a silver Toyota Corolla parked at a petrol station. The driver acted suspiciously when he noticed the members.
They approached the driver who then offered them R400 to escort him past traffic officials patrolling the highway.
The members arrested the suspect on a bribery charge and proceeded with a search of his vehicle, finding 30,000 Mandrax tablets in bags concealed in the boot and panels of the vehicle.
Police confiscated the drugs and seized the vehicle.
</blockquote>
Spies said the suspect is set to appear in court on Monday on charges of dealing in drugs and bribery. | <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-01-28-western-cape-cops-refuse-bribe-confiscate-30000-mandrax-tablets/">TimesLive</a>

SA: Zimbabwean Arrested With 30 000 Mandrax Tablets

Jiti musician, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Baba_Harare">Baba Harare</a>, whose real name is Braveman Chizvino, says awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of drug abuse being carried out by authorities are a waste of time.
Posting on Twitter, Baba Harare said Zimbabwean youths are now devoid of hope and what is needed as a matter of urgency is to prove to young people that things can be better. <a href="https://twitter.com/BabaHarare1/status/1619272796458344448">He said:</a>
<blockquote>
Madrug awareness campaign aya is a waste of time. We all are aware of the drug pandemic. We need prevention strategies and meaningful activities.
Waking up in Zimbabwe sober as a youth is painful. Urgent instillation of hope is required.
</blockquote>
On 26 January 2023, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dominican_Convent_High_School">Dominican Convent High School</a> expelled eight Form six learners after they were caught using illicit drugs during a school trip to Nyanga from the 12th to the 15th of January
Sister Kudzai Mutsure, head of the Upper School at the Convent, said a disciplinary committee found the girls guilty of violating the school’s drug policy.
Shadaya Knight, a social media personality on Friday said punishing drug addicts and drug awareness campaigns are a waste of time as long as those who smuggle the drugs into the country are roaming free. <a href="https://twitter.com/ShadayaKnight/status/1618937936829112320">He tweeted:</a>
<blockquote>
Arresting drug addicts &amp; expelling school kids caught with drugs doesn’t solve the drug problem one bit. Neither those useless drug awareness campaigns.
If you don’t want drugs in communities &amp; schools, go to the source – the kingpins who are smuggling &amp; manufacturing them.
But we all know that can never happen because those very same kingpins, some of them are the ones who are supposed to be the custodians of the law or are in cahoots with those supposed to be enforcing the laws. And at the same, a drug-ravaged youth population is easy to control.
And so unless as a society (the communities, NGOs &amp; lawmakers &amp; enforcers) sit at the same table &amp; take the necessary measures, this is a problem not going anywhere anytime soon. Learn or perish!
</blockquote>
On Monday, Bulawayo’s Entumbane community in partnership with the police, local schools and other stakeholders marched to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.
The campaign followed the arrest, in the suburb, of three suspected drug dealers, one of them an ex-police officer, following a raid at their houses.

Drug Awareness Campaigns A Waste Of Time - Baba Harare

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating the case of drug abuse at Dominican Convent High School in Harare following the suspension of eight learners for violating the school’s drug policy.
The school recently expelled eight Form Six girls for abusing drugs at the 2023 U6 leadership camp which was held in Nyanga from the 12th to the 15th of January.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said investigations are now underway to ascertain what happened. He said:
<blockquote>
We are conducting investigations to find out what happened because no report had been made before.
As we speak, our team from the CID is there to find out what really happened and we will issue a comprehensive statement.
</blockquote>
Drug dealers are reportedly using social media, mainly Instagram to market drugs they in turn package as cakes, chocolates, and biscuits they deliver at the school entrance.
A former student at the school told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/drug-menace-police-probe-elite-school/">Business Times</a> that the latest development is only the tip of the iceberg adding drug abuse is widespread. Said the former student:
<blockquote>
We have seen this happening and drugs being brought in and out of the school where someone creates an Instagram page where they market these substances as cakes or anything but with weed or some kind of drug inside and they deliver at the school gate.
It is really everywhere and I think now it is out there because the school has issued a statement and some were caught but it is really everywhere with some schools calling in sniffer dogs. It everywhere.
</blockquote>

DRUG ABUSE: Police Probe Dominican Convent High School

Police in Bulawayo detained three suspects in the neighborhood of Entumbane and seized narcotics including dagga, alcohol, weight-gain pills, and cough syrups. Among the illegal items were drug-inhalation devices, the infamous “rizzler” smoking paper, skin-lightening treatments, and self-defense sprays.
The operation, according to Bulawayo police spokesman Inspector Abednico Ncube, is only one of several that the police is carrying out in the Entumbane suburb. He said that the raid followed the hospitalisation of 17 young people from the neighbourhood after the bought and used drugs from the neighbourhood.
In the Wednesday early morning raid, Elton Ndlovu (37), Asprila Maphosa (23) and Lydia Ndlovu-Mthikhulu (27) were detained. All of the accused have previously been detained for a variety of offences.
Drug and alcohol abuse in Zimbabwe has reportedly increased in the past few years. The reason range from worsening economic conditions to unemployment, and the availability of cheaper but highly intoxicating alcohol. The alcohol is sold in small bottles enabling prices as low as US 50 cents a bottle.
The drugs and cheap alcohol are easily accessible at houses in mostly the density residential suburbs in the country, who peddle them illegally. 
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bulawayo-trio-arrested-in-early-morning-drug-raid/">The Chronicle</a>

Drugs, Illegal Substances Recovered In Police Raid

A former Zimbabwean drug mule who spent two years in an Indian jail says an appetite for fast money and a life of luxury lure women into the drug mule trade.
Cynthia Mpunga (42) told News24’s Lenin Ndebele that she hid her drug mule operations from close family members, including her husband.
Mpunga was arrested at Cochin International Airport in the city of Kochi in India in 2015 after security officials found ephedrine that had a street value of about US$ 1.4 million in her luggage.
Even though it is an over-the-counter drug in some countries, it’s illegal in India.
She said she would have received US$450 for delivering the drug, besides accommodation, flights, food and other benefits. She said:
<blockquote>
My family back home was worried. They thought I was held in a dungeon where, probably, there was no one I could speak to in English [while] living in a confined cell. All the scary things you can imagine were on their minds.
Two years was like a death sentence for me, but when I got into prison, I saw life differently.
I took up jobs while inside. I used to clean, and with basic sewing experience, I also did some work with fabrics.
Like other prisoners doing jobs, I earned a decent stipend. That money was deposited into our accounts monthly.
One could withdraw and buy whatever one desired to use after jail time.
</blockquote>
She said while in prison, all she could think of was her daughter, who was only two years old when she was arrested.
Mpunga said she was drawn into the industry by a South African woman who she didn’t want to name for security reasons. 
She said the idea of travelling the world and earning money that even some professionals don’t earn was attractive.
Mpunga said she had been to India five times in the space of three months before, and that aroused suspicions.
Her arrest in India was was the second time she had to be detained for a drug offence in the same year.
Earlier in 2015, Mpunga was arrested in Botswana at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on arrival in Gaborone from India, via Kenya.
She had 20kg of an illicit substance and spent two months in jail in Botswana and later paid a P10 000 fine for her to be released.
Mpunga was also banned from entering Botswana for 10 years. | <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/two-years-was-like-a-death-sentence-for-me-ex-drug-mule-recalls-her-time-in-an-indian-prison-20221129">News24</a>

Zimbabwean Ex-drug Mule Recalls Her Time In An Indian Prison

The leader of the Diplomatic Intelligence Party (DIP) Ashley Zhou has claimed that dangerous drugs are being sold to young people in Bulawayo’s central business district and law enforcement agents are doing nothing to curb the vice.
Ndlovu said that the selling of dangerous drugs to the youth of Bulawayo is becoming a provincial security threat. He said:
<blockquote>
There are certain individuals who are operating along Sixth Avenue. The continued selling of dangerous drugs to the youth of Bulawayo is slowly becoming a provincial security threat.
Benylin with codeine is sold to schoolchildren. This is highly unacceptable and immoral because this medicine may lead to drowsiness and impaired concentration which may be aggravated by the simultaneous intake of alcohol or other central nervous system depressant agents.
Furthermore, exceeding the prescribed dose, together with prolonged and continuous use of this medication may lead to dependency and addiction.
The most heartbreaking thing is that law enforcement people turn a blind eye to such criminal activities.
The victims are our kith and kin. High school pupils and the youths. These illegal drug dealers are not pharmacies hence, cannot sell medication to people.
</blockquote>
Responding to the allegations raised by Zhou, ZRP spokesperson in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said they had not received reports on drug peddling.
City of Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube also said he was not aware of the alleged activities. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200003535/opposition-leader-attacks-cops-over-drug-dealers">Southern Eye</a>

Opposition Leader Claims Drug Peddling Is Rampant In Bulawayo CBD

Police in Marondera have recovered 205 sachets of marijuana (Mbanje) from a drug dealer who was selling the drug to members of the public in Marondera CBD and surrounding areas.
Upon his arrest, Norest Fungai Kujeke (26) was also found in possession of Benylin and Broncleer cough syrups.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest in a statement. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Police in Marondera acted on a tip-off and arrested Norest Fungai Kujeke for dealing in dangerous drugs. Detectives recovered 205 sachets of dagga , 17×100 mls Benylin, 7×100 mls Broncleer and 19×100 mls empty bottles of Broncleer.
</blockquote>
This comes barely hours after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) announced the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/10/18/two-bulawayo-men-caught-in-beitbridge-while-smuggling-drugs-worth-zw6-2-million/">arrest of two Bulawayo men who were attempting to smuggle drugs from South Africa</a> into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border.
They were arrested after the police Canine Unit searched their vehicles and discovered drugs that were hidden in some products.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Police Arrest 26-year-old Drug Dealer

Illicit drug smugglers are using Manicaland Province as a conduit and destination for their contraband resulting in an upsurge in local consumption and peddling of narcotics.
Drugs commonly abused in local hotspots include cocaine, morphine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, broncleer (bronco), mandrax, hashish and crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro, dombo or guka, reported <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/43pc-of-scholars-have-access-to-drugs/">The Manica Post.</a>
Marijuana is grown locally but the illicit drug is also being smuggled from Mozambique and Malawi while Cocaine, heroin and other hard drugs are smuggled from South Africa, Latin America and Afghanistan.
Data from the Anti-Drug Abuse Forum (ADAF) and the police’s Drugs and Narcotics Unit has revealed that a high number of drug abusers are mostly males between the ages of 11 and 40 years.
The illicit drugs are distributed in the streets, bars, homes, schools and workplaces with women constituting the bulk of smugglers.
A drug peddler who spoke to The Manica Post on condition of anonymity said he gets supplies from Mbare and South Africa. He said:
<blockquote>
I sell it for between US$15 and US$20 per gram, depending on the location, availability and the customer.
It is in high demand in surrounding illegal mining areas because of its ability to keep the illegal panners high and hyper-active for long hours. We get supplies from drug lords in Mbare and South Africa.
</blockquote>
Detective Assistant Inspector Ndiudzei Mugawa from the Drugs and Narcotics Unit said:
<blockquote>
We arrest an average of 30 peddlers monthly and only last week we arrested two women who had cocaine in Yeovil, Mutare.
Women are well travelled and constitute the bulk of smugglers in the province.
Manicaland is being used both as a conduit and a destination for smuggled illicit drugs.
Its proximity to the long porous border with Mozambique has resulted in smugglers using so many entry points to smuggle illicit drugs into the country.
</blockquote>
Detective Assistant Inspector Mugawa added that it is difficult for the police to infiltrate drug cartels. He said:
<blockquote>
Drug trafficking is controlled predominantly by well-connected people, most of whom are behind the heroin and cocaine entering the country.
With drugs, it is about possession and usage, and sometimes we fail to arrest the suspects due to conspiracy of silence.
Unlike other offences, drug abuse usually has no complainants and it is difficult to penetrate when you do not have a mole inside the cartel.
</blockquote>

"Manicaland A Conduit For Smuggled Illicit Drugs"

A South African, Shiela Khumalo, who was <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/13/foreigner-excretes-58-sachets-of-cocaine-while-in-police-custody/">caught in Zimbabwe trafficking cocaine</a>, was today sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison. 2 years of the sentence were suspended.
Khumalo was caught in possession of cocaine worth over ZWL$7 million, with 60 plastic sachets of the drug in her intestines in May 2021. She was on her way from Brazil to South Africa. She allegedly excreted 58 sachets of the drug while in police custody at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Khumalo was arrested following a tip and was found with 975 grammes of cocaine that she had swallowed.

South African Caught With Cocaine Sentenced To 10 Years In Zim Prison

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