By Patience Gondo
DRUG dealers continue to profit while Zimbabwe’s young people fall deeper into substance abuse, a senior police officer has said.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Superintendent Philisani Ndebele said the growing drug trade is enriching dealers at the expense of the country’s youth, whose lives are being damaged by addiction.
Speaking during a road safety awareness campaign on Good Friday at the Beitbridge Border Post bus terminus, Ndebele said travellers entering Zimbabwe must not bring drugs into the country, as cross-border trafficking is worsening the crisis.
He said although drug dealers may not see the damage immediately, the long-term effects are severe.
“Drug dealers do not see the effects now, but after about 10 years the damage becomes clear when it’s now your children that are addicts,” he said.
Zimbabwe is facing a growing drug abuse crisis that has left many young people addicted and vulnerable.
In some urban areas, streets and shelters are now home to youths struggling with substance abuse.
Statistics from the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drugs Network show that drug and substance abuse among young people increased from 43 percent in 2017 to 45 percent in 2018, before rising sharply to 57 percent in 2019.
About one in every 30 households in Zimbabwe is affected, translating to over 533 000 people nationwide.
While drug dealers continue to benefit financially, the future of many young people is being destroyed, with addiction affecting their education, health and employment prospects.
Ndebele also said Zimbabweans based in South Africa should obtain passports for their children to ensure they travel legally, especially during holidays.
He warned against the use of illegal crossing points, saying some parents rely on omalayitsha to transport children through areas such as the Limpopo River.
Ndebele said children who use these routes are exposed to serious dangers, including sexual abuse.
“In most cases, children are raped when they are taken through illegal points. Parents must ensure their children travel safely and legally,” he said.