Tiyani Hahlani
Centre News Hub
Masvingo—Porous borders and broken gates are being blamed for letting drugs and illicit substances stream into the country, fueling a growing crisis that is devastating communities and driving crime.
Authorities say the surge in drug and substance abuse is not just a social or economic issue, but one that is being fed by external supply chains that reach the local market.
Government and law enforcement agents have mobilised in response to blight, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) partnering with a broad coalition of stakeholders to boost awareness and prevention efforts.
Officials say the intensified campaigns are part of a nationwide strategy to curb the spread of drugs and protect vulnerable communities.
In Masvingo, the push took to the streets as an awareness march aimed at spreading the anti-drug message far and wide.
The procession culminated at Mucheke Stadium, where residents voiced growing concern over rising drug-related crime and its impact on families and neighborhoods.
Experts and community leaders alike warn that the problem is multifaceted, tied to social and economic pressures at home and the reach of external supply chains.
As authorities press ahead with education and enforcement, many hope for stronger border controls and targeted interventions that can break the pipeline before it feeds more cycles of crime and addiction.
With the national response gaining momentum, the focus remains clear: disrupt the flow of illicit substances, support at-risk youth, and restore a sense of security on the streets of Masvingo’s Mucheke suburbs.
Speaking during the event, Masvingo Officer Commanding ZRP, Assistant Commissioner, Frederick Mbengwa, says that while demand is growing locally, supply remains a major concern, with drugs reportedly finding their way into the country through vulnerable entry points along the borders.
“Drugs are finding their way into the country through our borders, and police and other enforcement agencies can only be effective when working closely with communities. Let us all play our part, as this scourge is destroying the future of our children,” says Mbengwa.
ZRP National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi, also emphasized that the inflow of drugs has contributed to a sharp rise in serious crimes linked to substance abuse.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are deeply concerned by the rising cases of drug and substance abuse, which have resulted in an increase in crimes such as murder, unlawful entry, theft and violence, among others,” he said.
He also encouraged communities to remain a critical partner in identifying and reporting drug dealers and trafficking networks.
“We therefore call upon communities to partner with law enforcement agencies so that drug dealers and peddlers are brought to book,” he said.
At community level, residents say the impact is already visible, with young people increasingly turning to drugs and crime.
“These drugs are destroying our children. You find young boys and girls roaming the streets, stealing and becoming violent. As parents and guardians, we are living in fear,” said one parent.
Others say unemployment and peer pressure are worsening the crisis, but stress that stronger action is needed to stop the supply chain.
“Most young people are getting into drugs because of peer pressure and unemployment.
“We need awareness programmes and also job opportunities that help keep us busy and focused on positive things,” says a youth present at the event.
“As a community, we must work together with the police and report these drug peddlers, and if we stay silent, we are allowing this problem to grow and destroy our future lawyers and doctors,” added another resident.
The government says it is responding through a combination of enforcement and rehabilitation measures, including the establishment of provincial and district committees to coordinate the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, also said that rehabilitation centers are being rolled out nationwide to support affected individuals.
“As we move to protect our communities and safeguard the future of our youths, rehabilitation centers are being established across the country,” he said.
However, with authorities increasingly pointing to cross-border trafficking networks, the challenge is no longer being viewed solely as a local social problem, but as a broader security issue requiring coordinated regional enforcement.
The government says intensified awareness campaigns, stronger policing, and cross-border vigilance will be key in closing the gaps that continue to allow drugs into the country.
