Police warn parents as back-to-school rush peaks

The back-to-school rush gripped Bulawayo yesterday as thousands of learners headed to boarding schools across the country for the start of the third term, with police mounting awareness campaigns to protect children from drug peddlers and other criminal elements.

Learners and their guardians thronged two major pick-up points — City Hall and the OK Mart parking area — from as early as 7AM, with many parents making last-minute grocery and stationery purchases to ensure their children were well-prepared for the new term.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said law enforcement was responding to rising cases of learners caught with drugs and illicit substances at schools, often traced back to pick-up points.

"Our message to guardians and parents is simple: not everyone loitering at these pick-up points has good intentions. Some of them are drug peddlers trying to sell marijuana and illicit alcohol to schoolchildren," said Insp Msebele.

She said police were determined to clamp down on such activities.
"We warn drug peddlers that their days of selling drugs to learners are over. The long arm of the law will ensure public spaces such as pick-up points remain safe," she said.

Parents at the pick-up points said they were prioritising groceries and stationery to complement school provisions, with some also buying uniforms, hats and summer sports attire in line with the rising temperatures.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police also issued road safety warnings to transport operators and school authorities. "Drivers should exercise caution, avoid speeding and ensure buses are roadworthy. Overloading will not be tolerated," read a statement.

Authorities also urged schools to deposit tuition fees at banks to reduce the risk of robberies, warning that holding large sums of cash on school premises attracts criminals.

In a related development, Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the education sector during the final term of 2025. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said teacher training and resource provision remain a priority.

"Intensive training workshops, mentorship programmes, and subject-specific panels are being conducted for professional development. Updated syllabuses and digital resources will be distributed to all schools by the end of the year," he said.

Minister Moyo added that districts facing teacher shortages had been authorised to recruit locally and that partnerships with private players were being pursued to expand school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.