Residents of Mufakose, a high-density suburb in Harare, are planning to stage a demonstration on February 22 to protest against drug dealers and the perceived inaction of the police in addressing the issue.
The protest follows the tragic killing of a woman, Hilda Drawu, who was reportedly stabbed 19 times by her son, Nyasha Bandawe, 22, also known as “Nyale,” after a domestic dispute. Bandawe, who is said to be addicted to drugs, has been charged with the murder.
Residents have voiced concerns that drug abuse among the youth is contributing to rising crime in the community.
They are now taking action to combat the drug problem, with many expressing frustration at the lack of strong police intervention against known drug dealers.
Agatha Chiseya, a representative for the residents, told ZimLive that they are compiling a list of drug dealers and their locations to submit to the police.
Speaking to ZimLive, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that they are closely monitoring the situation. He said:
Let all the people give us the names of the drug peddlers and the names of police officers in complicity with the criminals.
We are now having these murder cases associated with drug abuse.
The issue of drugs is quite a serious one and the police are taking serious measures to eradicate the scourge.
Resident Amos Mbeve claimed that both Marimba and Warren Park police stations were aware of the illicit activities of drug peddlers, yet drugs continued to be sold openly on the streets. Said Mbewe:
The police are aware, and some who are in charge get bribes from these drug cartels.
Our children are dying; some end up mentally challenged and we have no future at all.
Police just come and go with pockets full; we actually have names, and one is called Mutambisi.
Illegal drugs on the local market include crystal meth (Mutoriro Dombo Guka), Bronclear (Bronco, Cough Syrup which is an overdose of Codeine), Red beret (all various types of backyard wines costing 0.50c a bottle or Cup), Skunk (Synthetic Cannabis) and Antipsychotics (Mangemba).
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