Police warn of rise in 'vuzu' parties

Bulawayo police have issued a stern warning to parents and communities as schools prepare to close for the holidays, cautioning that the festive break may trigger a surge in the notorious "vuzu" parties.

These secretive gatherings have long been linked to underage drinking, drug abuse, risky sexual behaviour, and escalating violence. Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, said authorities will be closely monitoring known hotspots and neighbourhoods to prevent such events.

"We have noted with great concern the increase in these illegal gatherings. The so-called vuzu parties are a breeding ground for criminal behaviour, drug misuse, sexual exploitation, and violence," Insp Msebele said. She urged young people to avoid attending these parties and called on parents to remain vigilant about their children's whereabouts during the holiday period.

Insp Msebele noted that in previous years, police received multiple reports of teenagers found unconscious from drug intoxication, as well as complaints from residents regarding property damage and noise disturbances linked to these parties. "We have attended to incidents where minors were discovered in compromising conditions. Some had consumed dangerous substances, while others were victims of peer pressure," she said, adding that organisers and facilitators would face the full force of the law.

The police official explained that vuzu parties are often organised via social media platforms, with locations shared discreetly to avoid detection. Authorities are particularly concerned about older individuals and drug suppliers exploiting these gatherings to manipulate minors. "Some of the substances we are finding are extremely harmful, including crystal meth and unregulated codeine mixtures. These substances damage young lives and fuel criminal behaviour," Insp Msebele said.

Describing the gatherings as a "ticking time bomb," Insp Msebele warned that the trend threatens to erode the moral fabric of communities. She emphasised that tackling the problem requires a collaborative effort involving police, schools, churches, and community leaders. "It's not just a police issue. The whole community must unite to curb this behaviour. If we do not intervene now, we will lose an entire generation to drugs and reckless behaviour," she said.

The police spokesperson also highlighted the impact of vuzu parties on students, noting rising behavioural problems linked to exposure to drugs and alcohol. "We see pupils coming to school exhausted, intoxicated, or emotionally distressed. Some even suffer long-term trauma due to what they experience at these parties. This trend is extremely worrying and something must be done urgently," she said.

Insp Msebele urged residents to report any suspicious gatherings, unusual activity, or noise and to support law enforcement efforts to safeguard children. She also called on churches, civic organisations, and youth groups to intensify awareness campaigns promoting responsible behaviour and resilience against peer pressure.

"As the festive season approaches, traditionally a peak period for vuzu parties, we will continue to clamp down on unlawful gatherings. No leniency will be shown to those endangering the welfare of minors. Our message is clear: we will not tolerate any activities that put the lives and futures of our young people at risk," Insp Msebele concluded.