By Patience Gondo
DETECTIVE Constable Philimon Kanyandura of the Beitbridge Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned the public against the use and sale of unregistered skin-lightening creams.
Speaking during the ZRP Beitbridge Urban Service Charter Re-invigoration Programme at Mashakada Business Centre on Saturday Kanyandura, who works with the Criminal Investigations Department said several skin-lightening products circulating in the country have not been registered by the relevant health authorities.
He named products such as CT+, Caro Light, Epiderm, Diprosone and Betasol among others as examples of creams that are not permitted for sale or use in the country.
He said these skin-lightening creams contain harmful substances that interfere with the production of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for giving skin, hair and eyes their colour.
Kanyandura said use of these products damage the skin, making it thinner, more sensitive and vulnerable to infections and other health complications.
“Most women are attracted to skin-lightening creams because they want a lighter complexion, but they do not consider the long-term consequences,”
“Melanin is the body’s natural protection for the skin. Once it is damaged, the effects can be difficult to reverse. In the event of an accident, burn or serious injury, the skin may not heal properly, leaving a person vulnerable to permanent complications,” he said,
He said most of the prohibited skin-lightening creams enter Zimbabwe through neighbouring countries, particularly Zambia and are not registered with the country’s medicines regulatory authorities.
Apart from skin-lightening products, Kanyandura also cautioned the public against the use of unregistered medicines such as Appetito pills and various sex-enhancing products, which are also prohibited in Zimbabwe.
The detective further highlighted the growing concern over drug and substance abuse, mentioning hard drugs such as cocaine as well as the misuse of certain cough syrups and medicines containing codeine.
He cited products including Astra Pain, Adco-Salterpyn, BronCleer and some Benylin formulations as substances that are commonly abused.
Kanyandura said some of the warning signs of drug and substance abuse include loss of appetite, poor eating habits, theft, declining performance at school or work, behavioural changes and a lack of motivation.
He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, be aware of the company they keep and maintain open communication within families as part of efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.
“Parents play a critical role in identifying early signs of drug abuse and guiding young people away from harmful substances,” he said.
Drug and substance abuse has become a growing challenge in Beitbridge, a border town that serves as one of Zimbabwe’s busiest entry and exit points.
Authorities have previously raised concerns that the movement of people and goods through the border can create opportunities for the trafficking of illicit drugs and unregistered products.
Nationally, the Government of Zimbabwe law enforcement agencies and community organisations have intensified campaigns aimed at curbing drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.