By Patience Gondo
A 49-year-old medical doctor was arrested alongside three other men in Gweru after they were allegedly caught smoking crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro at the doctors’ cottages.
In a statement on Wednesday National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said the suspects Farikai Manjeya (49), Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29) and Tariro Pambwa (35) appeared before the Gweru Magistrates’ Court facing charges of possessing dangerous drugs.
Police detectives reportedly acted on a tip-off about illicit drug activity at the doctors’ cottages, where one of the accused, Manjeya is a resident and medical practitioner.
On November 9, detectives raided the premises and allegedly found the four men smoking crystal meth using J-pipes and cigarette lighters.
“The accused persons were found allegedly smoking crystal meth using J-pipes and cigarette lighters, which led to their immediate arrest,” said NPAZ.
Police seized the J-pipes, a cigarette lighter and an empty sachet suspected to have contained the drug.
The four were taken into custody and remanded pending a bail hearing.
NPAZ said communities should work closely with law enforcement agencies to report cases of drug use and trafficking, warning that substance abuse continues to destroy the lives of young people and professionals alike.
“The NPAZ urges communities to work with law enforcement in reporting all cases of drug use to safeguard our youth and society,” NPAZ said.
Crystal methamphetamine, known locally as mutoriro, has become one of Zimbabwe’s most abused and dangerous drugs, particularly among youths in urban and mining communities.
According to the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN), methamphetamine abuse has surged in recent years, contributing to rising cases of mental health disorders, violence and crime.
Health experts say meth is a synthetic stimulant that causes intense addiction and severe psychological effects, including hallucinations and paranoia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies methamphetamine as a highly addictive and illegal narcotic with no approved medical use in Zimbabwe.
Authorities have in recent years intensified crackdowns on drug abuse following reports of increased smuggling and local distribution of substances such as mutoriro, broncleer and marijuana blends.
The government has also launched awareness campaigns through schools, churches and media platforms.
The four accused remain in custody awaiting their bail hearing, while investigations continue.
Their arrest has raised fresh concerns the Zimbabwe’s drug crisis is now reaching professional circles once regarded as role models.