Dzivarasekwa campaign raises alarm over drug abuse

Obey Musiwa and Sekai Manyere

A COMMUNITY-WIDE campaign in Dzivarasekwa has highlighted the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse, with police, civic leaders and survivors calling for urgent collective action to protect young people and rebuild families.

The two-day drug awareness programme, held at Dzivarasekwa Stadium under the theme, “Our Community, Our Responsibility, Together Against Drugs,” brought together law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, churches and residents.

Speakers highlighted the human cost of addiction, including broken families and lost opportunities, and called for coordinated efforts to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation and community vigilance.

They urged residents to work closely with law enforcement and community organisations in identifying and addressing drug abuse while supporting those affected by addiction.

Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said Dzivarasekwa has become a drug hotspot, with 87 arrests recorded between January and August 2026.

He stressed that enforcement alone cannot defeat the menace, urging families, schools, and churches to play their part.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” he said, quoting Edmund Burke to emphasise collective responsibility.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” highlighting the need for prevention and youth empowerment.

Dzikwa Trust child and advocacy officer Alouis Sagota emphasised illicit substances ravaging the suburb, from crystal meth to BronCleer cough syrup.

He warned of psychiatric cases, infant neglect, and sexual exploitation linked to drugs.

“Our community is locked in a fierce battle against a deadly enemy the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” he said.

He urged integrity in policing, saying: “The practice of corrupt officers collecting protection money from drug bases must end immediately.”

Survivors gave accounts of how drugs destroyed their lives and families, turning the campaign into a human‑interest story of resilience and redemption.

One of the survivors Mr Norest Chikore said: “I used to sell my mother’s property to get crystal meth and guka. I almost sold all her plates in exchange for drugs.”

He asked for forgiveness from his family, which had virtually ostracised him due to his behaviour.

Another survivor Ms Gertrude Makoza also related her story.

“I got pregnant while I was into drugs and I don’t know who the father of my child is.”

She also admitted stealing from family and visitors, straining her relationship with her relatives.

Source: Dzivarasekwa campaign raises alarm over drug abuse – herald

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