Zimbabwe to introduce mandatory jail terms for drug offences

GOVERNMENT plans to impose mandatory jail sentences for drug-related offences, alongside stiffer penalties for drug dealing and trafficking, as part of a nationwide crackdown on substance abuse.

The reforms, outlined in National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), aim to curb drug use—particularly among children and adolescents—while dismantling illicit supply networks. Under the new framework, fines will be replaced with mandatory minimum prison terms for a range of drug offences.

Currently, magistrates can impose fines or other non-custodial sentences, allowing them to consider mitigating factors. NDS2 removes this discretion for drug offences, making mandatory sentencing central to deterring crime and disrupting illegal supply chains.

"On the enforcement side, NDS2 interventions will strengthen laws against drug trafficking and illicit distribution, improve border control mechanisms and enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies," the Government plan states. "Penalties for dealing and trafficking in drugs will be elevated to much stiffer levels, with minimum mandatory custodial jail terms replacing fines."

Mandatory sentencing is already applied in Zimbabwe for serious crimes such as stock theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure, with minimum terms ranging from nine to ten years. Courts can only reduce a sentence if "special circumstances" exist, which refers to exceptional factors related to the offence or offender; financial hardship, first-time offences, or dependents generally do not qualify.

Supporters argue that mandatory sentencing deters crime, reduces sentencing disparities, and limits judicial bias. Critics, however, note that it shifts sentencing power from the judiciary to the legislature.

NDS2 emphasises that enforcement alone will not address the problem. Government plans parallel public health and social interventions to reduce demand for drugs. These include workplace wellness and anti-drug programmes, mass media campaigns targeting early prevention, and awareness initiatives aimed at children and adolescents.

Parenting and peer influence will be addressed through strengthened education materials and a Positive Parenting Manual to support families and communities. Digital and online platforms will also be used to amplify messaging on the harms of drug use.

On the treatment front, NDS2 proposes comprehensive drug treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery centres in every administrative district. These facilities will focus on harm reduction, preventing injuries, infectious diseases, and overdose-related deaths. Investments will also be made in human capital, specialised training for medical and social work professionals, and expanded access to rehabilitation services.

"The review of treatment protocols will facilitate expansion of access to rehabilitation centres, training of health professionals in addiction management, and support re-integration programmes for recovering addicts," the strategy reads.

The reforms signal Zimbabwe's commitment to a coordinated, multi-pronged approach that combines law enforcement, public health, and social interventions to tackle the rising challenge of drug and substance abuse.