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Zimbabwe scraps drug fines, introduces jail terms
3 hrs ago |
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Zimbabwe has scrapped fines for drug-related offences, replacing them with mandatory jail terms of up to 15 years, as authorities roll out nationwide testing kits to fight the country's growing drug crisis.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who chairs the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, said testing kits will be deployed to clinics, hospitals and police posts starting next week.
"We have imported test kits to help identify users early, especially young people, so we can intervene before it's too late," she said. "This is about saving lives and protecting communities."
She said the initiative will be community-driven, with referrals from churches, traditional leaders and families, stressing that the goal is rehabilitation rather than punishment.
"It's not just about catching people; it's about healing and restoring lives," she added.
Muchinguri-Kashiri said the government decided to remove fines because they were ineffective deterrents.
"In the past, those caught with drugs were fined US$30. People could easily pay and continue. Now every case must go before the courts. Sentences will be tougher," she said.
The announcement follows warnings by Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba, who said the state was preparing "very ugly measures" for drug dealers and users.
"People must not think this is just a campaign. Those caught will face consequences they never imagined," Charamba wrote on X.
The crackdown comes amid a wave of high-profile arrests. Robert Mugabe Jr was arrested on October 1 for allegedly leading a drug syndicate, while former Warriors footballer Abbas Amidu was caught with 750kg of dagga worth US$75,000. In September, musician Ras Pompy was jailed for possession of cough syrup, while nine Chinese nationals fined for cocaine use were later earmarked for deportation.
Despite the tougher stance, Muchinguri-Kashiri said the government remains focused on rehabilitation and reintegration through church partnerships and treatment centres.
"We want to restore families, restore lives and restore communities," she said.
Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who chairs the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, said testing kits will be deployed to clinics, hospitals and police posts starting next week.
"We have imported test kits to help identify users early, especially young people, so we can intervene before it's too late," she said. "This is about saving lives and protecting communities."
She said the initiative will be community-driven, with referrals from churches, traditional leaders and families, stressing that the goal is rehabilitation rather than punishment.
"It's not just about catching people; it's about healing and restoring lives," she added.
Muchinguri-Kashiri said the government decided to remove fines because they were ineffective deterrents.
The announcement follows warnings by Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba, who said the state was preparing "very ugly measures" for drug dealers and users.
"People must not think this is just a campaign. Those caught will face consequences they never imagined," Charamba wrote on X.
The crackdown comes amid a wave of high-profile arrests. Robert Mugabe Jr was arrested on October 1 for allegedly leading a drug syndicate, while former Warriors footballer Abbas Amidu was caught with 750kg of dagga worth US$75,000. In September, musician Ras Pompy was jailed for possession of cough syrup, while nine Chinese nationals fined for cocaine use were later earmarked for deportation.
Despite the tougher stance, Muchinguri-Kashiri said the government remains focused on rehabilitation and reintegration through church partnerships and treatment centres.
"We want to restore families, restore lives and restore communities," she said.
Source - the herald
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