Zim GBC News
St Mary’s, Chitungwiza – A Chitungwiza man who brought a busy neighbourhood to a standstill after threatening to leap from a tower light has blamed his actions on intoxication from the dangerous drug crystal methamphetamine.
The incident, which unfolded yesterday in St Mary’s, saw hundreds of residents gather as Ruwo Pandukani perched precariously high above the ground, flirting with death for hours.
In an exclusive interview with Zim GBC News, a remorseful Pandukani stated,
“I was just intoxicated. I was not in my right state of mind and I deeply regret the scare and pain I caused everyone.”
The drama began after a dispute over the very drug that led to his intoxication. Pandukani, of House Number 867 Chitungwiza Road, allegedly purchased $5 worth of crystal meth—locally known as dombo or mutoriro—intending to share it with a woman named Karen, whom he wished to date.
However, his plans soured when Karen reportedly consumed the drug with another man, identified as Tino. Feeling betrayed and emotionally devastated, Pandukani threatened to take his own life.
Eyewitness Leonard Liyaya was among the first on the scene and described the tense atmosphere.
“We were all terrified for him. I tried to talk to him to come down, but we were afraid that any wrong move could push him over the edge. It was a very delicate situation,” Liyaya said.
The local Fire Brigade was called to intervene. After lengthy negotiations, which included a financial incentive, they successfully persuaded him to climb down. He was subsequently taken to St Mary’s Police Station.
This alarming event underscores a growing public health crisis in Zimbabwe.
Recent studies indicate that up to 60% of admissions to psychiatric facilities are linked to drug and substance abuse, with cheap and accessible crystal meth being a primary driver, particularly among unemployed youth.
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