In Harare’s Hopley suburb, a group of young researchers has revealed startling insights into drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s youth. Their research points to porous borders and corrupt practices as critical drivers of this worrying trend.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reports an alarming increase in youth substance abuse in Zimbabwe. Skunk, due to its potent effects, has become the most abused drug. The young researchers in Hopley, aided by ActionAid and Katswe Sistahood, conducted feminist research to understand this phenomenon better. They found that illicit drugs are flooding the country. Smugglers bring these substances from neighbouring countries like South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia.
According to a report by Newsday Zimbabwe, the researchers discovered that drug dealers and corrupt police officers form a complex network. They exploit the country’s weak border controls to smuggle drugs. These are then sold in hidden markets, sometimes by vendors disguised as fruit sellers. The government’s response has been robust. It launched the ‘No to Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances; See Something, Say Something’ campaign. President Emmerson Mnangagwa also announced plans for stricter laws to penalize drug abuse more severely.
The study identified “Gaza’s—tuckshops or houses in Hopley—as the epicentres of the drug trade. These establishments, owned by non-residents of Hopley, serve as hubs for drug transactions. The findings showed that male youths are primarily the ones using these drugs. Of the 90 youths participating in the study, 78% were male.
Government sources, requesting anonymity, expressed grave concerns. They criticized the ruling Zanu PF regime’s ineffective strategies for curbing drug dealing. This failure, they argue, contributes significantly to the crisis.
The situation in Hopley is a microcosm of a broader national issue. It highlights the need for more robust border security and integrity within the police force. The involvement of community members in the drug trade underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis from multiple angles.
In conclusion, this research by Harare’s youth paints a vivid picture of the drug abuse problem in Zimbabwe. It calls for concerted efforts from the government, law enforcement, and the community to stem the tide of this growing menace.
