Bulawayo grapples with surge in drug-fuelled crime

Bulawayo is facing a sharp increase in drug-related crime, with police warning that rising substance abuse among youths is directly fuelling violent offences - including robbery, sexual assault, and murder.

Between January and September this year, police arrested 1 032 suspects linked to drug offences, including 172 identified as drug lords, as part of intensified efforts to curb the city's growing narcotics problem. Authorities also dismantled ten drug bases operating across Bulawayo.

The disturbing connection between drugs and crime was highlighted by the Officer Commanding Police in Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner Tambudzai Gumpo during an anti-drug awareness campaign held in Pumula North over the weekend.

Commissioner Chizemo said police were increasingly attending to cases involving children as young as 13, many under the influence of dangerous substances such as crystal meth.

"Robbery, domestic violence, sexual offences and murder are among the cases we receive, and most are motivated by drug abuse. We are seeing young boys and girls, minors, drifting into criminality because they are intoxicated," he said.

He cited the arrests of notorious dealers including Elton Ndlovu, whose Entumbane drug base was recently shut down, and Harry Bell, known across the city for his involvement in the drug trade. Another dealer, Pigory Tryron, was jailed after police found more than 1.2 kg of crystal meth hidden inside a fake dictionary - drugs that were reportedly intended for schoolchildren.

Commissioner Chizemo described the crisis as more than a policing challenge, calling it a "moral, social and spiritual crisis" that is devastating families and communities.

"Drug lords and peddlers are robbing the nation of its future. Families are breaking down, youths are committing heinous crimes, and entire neighbourhoods are being destabilised," he said.

While the police have intensified crackdowns on suppliers, Commissioner Chizemo stressed that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. He called for a collective approach involving education, rehabilitation, and community participation.

He also urged parents to play an active role in monitoring their children's behaviour, warning that the recently amended Children's Act now holds them accountable if their children engage in criminal activity.

"Stay alert. Know your children's friends, habits and movements. Our dreams - and the dreams of your children - are too valuable to be wasted on drugs," he said.

The anti-drug campaign was spearheaded by Christ Embassy Church under the theme "Be the Voice, Not the Victim." Police commended the church's involvement, saying partnerships between law enforcement, faith-based organisations, and communities were vital to transforming Bulawayo's most affected areas into "places of hope, not despair."

"Together we can create a network of support and promote a drug-free society," said Commissioner Chizemo.