Source: ZRP, schools, communities join hands in fighting drug and substance abuse – herald
Muchaneta Chimuka
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture, on Wednesday joined hands with communities in Warren Park in fighting drug and substance abuse, which has become a pandemic affecting economic development.
The event was being organised by the ZRP Warren Park, Warren Park 6 Primary School in Harare.
Participants marched from Mereki Shopping Centre to Warren Park 6, preaching the gospel of anti-drug abuse and alerting communities to its negative consequences and to shun sexual abuse crimes, among others.
Speaking at the event, Superintendent Zibusiso Nyoni, the Acting Officer Commanding Harare North District, said that as police, their main thrust is to protect communities through values and shared principles.
“This Community Engagement Symposium between the Ministry of Education, ZRP and civil society organisations is key in cementing the drive towards a crime-free society, free from crime, drug and substance abuse, and domestic violence,” he said.
“We salute the unwavering leadership and astuteness of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose vision for an upper middle-income economy by the year 2030 is only achievable when no place is left behind.
“We want to create a crime-free, drug–free and prosperous nation that will enjoy the peace dividend which is critical for Vision 2030.”
He said, the protection of women and children requires collective effort and the police are appalled by cases of child abuse and domestic violence, which violates the sanity of family life and leaves deep emotional and psychological wounds that are difficult to heal.
“The police have also recorded an increase in gender – based violence that went viral, showing a mother assaulting a child with hands and legs tied, and that does not reflect the society we want,” said Supt. Nyoni.
“We therefore say no to Domestic Violence, No to Child Abuse and No to Rape. We are happy that the woman who was caught on camera assaulting a child was arrested and we thank communities for alerting us on such issues.”
He noted that drug and substance abuse create a negative addiction and that it affects everyone.
“Drug and substance abuse destroys health, dreams and families, pushing many young people, especially school children, into criminality,” he added.
“The setting up of the Zimbabwe Crime Prevention Committees is not the responsibility of the police alone, but a shared duty. Communities should remain vigilant, reporting suspicious behaviour, supporting victims and collaborating with schools, churches and parents to instil discipline, patriotism, respect and accountability in our children.”
Mr Favour Muyambo, the acting District Schools Inspector in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, said it is very key to prioritise prevention, education and rehabilitation while enforcement of laws progresses.
The chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Défense, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Honourable Exevila Maoneke lamented over the invasions of the National Museum of the African Liberation space by drug lords, which has now forced them to erect a precast wall and to ensure that the place is manned 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the City of Harare Social Services donated sanitary ware to girls as a way of fighting period poverty among school girls who are often missing their education due to a lack of sanitary ware.
Local schools provided entertainment, dramas, working together with the ZRP Prison Band, highlighting the effects of drug and substance abuse in society.
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