By Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Zim GBC News Editor
Bulawayo – As schools reopened for the third term, Bulawayo police launched an awareness campaign at major student pickup points, warning parents and guardians about a surge in drug peddlers—including individuals with alleged political connections—targeting boarding school learners.
The operation, which took place at the City Hall and OK Mart parking areas yesterday, comes amid growing concern over students being caught with marijuana and illicit alcohol, known as ‘njengu’, at schools across the region.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, stated that contraband often originates from these pickup locations.
“Not every adult roaming around the two major pick-up points has good intentions. Some are drug peddlers trying to sell these substances to school children,” she said.
The crackdown follows recent claims by Youth Minister Tino Machakaire, who alleged that some drug dealers involved in supplying minors have ties to Zanu-PF officials and even members of the Zimbabwe Republic of Police (ZRP). These allegations have added a layer of political sensitivity to the ongoing anti-drug operations.
“We warn drug peddlers that the days of selling drugs to learners are over. The long arm of the law will ensure criminal activities are not tolerated,” Insp Msebele emphasized.
Parents expressed support for the initiative. Simanga Tshuma, who saw her daughter off to school at the Bulawayo City Hall car park, saying,
“I made sure she has everything she needs so that she is not distracted.”
Another parent, Saneliso Netha, highlighted the importance of supplementing school provisions with additional groceries.
Police also issued warnings about night travel and substandard transport. Authorities urged schools to use banking platforms for fee payments to reduce theft risks.
In a related development, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reaffirmed its commitment to teacher training and infrastructure improvement. Minister Torerai Moyo said,
“We are prioritising teacher capacitation to guarantee successful curriculum delivery,” noting that remote districts are permitted to recruit locally to address staffing shortages.
The government’s broader efforts include public-private partnerships to build and upgrade schools, particularly in rural areas.
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