Harare youths turn to shoe polish in shocking new drug trend

Community leaders in Hatcliffe have expressed alarm over a shocking new form of drug abuse involving young people inhaling or consuming shoe polish to get high.

The disturbing trend was revealed during an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign held at Hatcliffe Community Hall on Friday, where residents, churches, schools, police, and government officials gathered to address the growing crisis of unconventional drug use in Harare's high-density suburbs.

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume described the situation as dire and called for intensified efforts to eradicate drug abuse while holding suppliers accountable.

"The fight against drugs is a critical issue here in Hatcliffe and across the city. We are determined to eradicate drugs, identify the sellers, and rehabilitate victims. It's imperative that we double down on our efforts and solutions," Mafume said.

He added that the drug problem had grown into a national crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action. "This is a statewide, nationwide problem that we must tackle head on," he said.

Churches attending the campaign pledged to expand counselling and mentorship programmes, while encouraging parents to become more involved in their children's lives to prevent them from falling into substance abuse. Some residents also vowed to assist authorities in identifying local drug dealers.

Students from nearby schools performed dramas and dances portraying the devastating effects of drug use, drawing emotional reactions from attendees.

Tanyaradzwa Sande, the Junior Member of Parliament for Hatcliffe Constituency under the Women's Quota, urged her peers to channel their energy toward constructive pursuits.

"To my fellow ladies, there are better things to do than engaging in drug and substance abuse. There are jobs and opportunities out there - let's build our country together," she said.

However, some young people said that awareness campaigns alone would not solve the problem. Ivy, a local pupil, said poverty and broken families were driving many youths into substance abuse.

"Some young people turn to drugs because they are forced to become breadwinners. Awareness campaigns are being ignored because people are struggling to survive," she said.

Zimbabwe Communities Against Drug Abuse representative Elliot Chitiyo said his organisation was shocked to learn that shoe polish had become a substance of abuse.

"It came as a surprise that shoe polish is now being used as a drug. We will investigate further and alert authorities about other potentially harmful substances," Chitiyo said.

The campaign concluded with a unified call for collective responsibility, with stakeholders urging families, communities and authorities to work together to curb the escalating drug crisis and protect Zimbabwe's youth from self-destruction.