By Yvonne P ManganiMASVINGO – Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has called for stiffer penalties on convicted drug traffickers, warning that lenient sentences allow dealers to return to the streets and continue destroying young lives.Speaking as guest of honour at a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign held at Mucheke Stadium on April 14, 2026, Chadzamira urged the judiciary to send an unambiguous message to those profiting from the distraction of the youth.“The government stands with you. The judiciary of Masvingo Province is our critical pillar in dismantling the networks that sustain drug abuse. We urge the application of firm, constant and proportionate sentencing for those convicted of drug trafficking and supply. A trafficker who gets a lenient sentence returns to the street bolder. The judiciary must send an unambiguous message to those who profit from the destruction of our youth,” said Chadzamira.Hundreds gathered at the event, including students from Masvingo Teachers College and Great Zimbabwe University, law enforcement officers, local residents, ZRP Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, and Masvingo Provincial Police Commissioner Fredrick Mbengwa.Chadzamira warned that substance abuse was eroding the province’s social fabric and future workforce.“We cannot build Masvingo on broken dreams. Say no to drugs and yes to opportunity,” he said.He also highlighted the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s efforts in leading community engagement and establishing rehabilitation centres.“I call on community members to collaborate with religious leaders and the judiciary to dismantle drug networks and advocate for stringent sentencing for drug trafficking,” he said.Commissioner Nyathi and Commissioner Mbengwa attended alongside the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit, who mounted displays of confiscated substances and outlined enforcement efforts. Officers detailed common drugs circulating in the province, including illicit cough syrups and crystal meth, and explained penalties under current legislation.Commissioner Nyathi underscored the importance of unified efforts across households, schools and government departments.“When we combine the authority of the state with the moral strength of the community, no enemy can withstand us. Together, let’s reclaim our communities. Together let’s protect our children. Together let us build a Masvingo Province and a Zimbabwe that is free from the curse of drug and substance abuse,” said Nyathi.Masvingo Province remains at high risk due to its position as a key transit route from South Africa, where most of the illicit drugs enter the country. Police have intercepted significant consignments destined for other provinces, and in some cases, drug traffickers have resorted to concealing substances such as broncleer cough syrup, illicit syrups, and mbanje inside coffins to evade detection. Despite these challenges, law enforcement agencies have continued to nab many drug dealers operating along the corridor.Oscar Pambuka, a former ZBC news anchor and former drug user, shared his testimony at the event saying drugs affected everyone who use them.“Drugs do not care about your status, age or profession. If you test the drug once, especially crystal meth, automatically after every two hours you will hear voices commanding you to repeat the drugs again and again. Everyone is at risk,” said Pambuka.Great Zimbabwe University student Sam Nhodo, who serves as the university’s Students Representative Council Minister of Health, said anyone involved in drug activities who fails to report them was effectively promoting drug use in the community.“Everyone who is involved in drug activities, be it selling, using or even knowing both the seller and the buyer, if you do not report, you are promoting drug use in the community. As a youth, I have been given the authority to report these activities as an eye of the police,” said Nhodo.A mother who lost her child to drug abuse also spoke, saying it was now her duty to protect and teach other children about the dangers of drugs.Regina Munyamani urged parents to keep a watchful eye on their children.“In cases where kids go and do drugs, they end up indulging in adult activities, promoting teen pregnancies.”ZRP Masvingo urged the public to report drug peddlers and pledged increased patrols around schools and colleges. The campaign closed with a pledge from attendees to support drug-free zones in schools and communities.
