Crimes and Courts Correspondent
Opposition legislator John Kuka from Mkoba South has raised alarm over the alarming trend of drug abuse among primary schoolchildren in his constituency.
In a recent interview, Kuka expressed his shock upon discovering that even Grade 3 pupils are involved in drug abuse, highlighting the urgent need for a concerted effort to combat this issue.
Call for Awareness Campaigns
Kuka emphasized the importance of community engagement in addressing drug abuse. He proposed that stakeholders, including schools and churches, should initiate massive awareness campaigns to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. He noted that the presence of drug peddlers targeting children as young as eight years old is particularly disheartening and called for community members to report these individuals to the police.
Community and Police Involvement
Chief Superintendent Enock Chishiri, the officer commanding Gweru Urban, reported that between January and September of this year, local police arrested 148 drug peddlers, including 42 drug lords. He praised the community’s efforts in fighting drug abuse and encouraged residents to utilize suggestion boxes and other platforms to report drug dealers.
Conclusion
The situation regarding drug abuse among minors in Zimbabwe is critical, with calls for increased awareness and community action. Legislators like John Kuka are advocating for proactive measures to protect children and combat the influence of drug peddlers in their communities.
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