Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HARARE \u2013 Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing drug abuse crisis, with critics alleging high-level political connections are enabling the flow of narcotics into the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chorus of voices, including some from within the ruling party, claims that certain Zanu PF affiliates operate with impunity at border posts, facilitating drug trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The issue has gained traction following advertisements by the Zanu PF-aligned “Cross Border For ED” group, which reportedly promoted membership by offering incentives including exemption from searches by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) at borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group, led by DJ Masomere, is said to position itself as “untouchable” due to its support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf all these cross border traders led by Zanu PF are not into drug trafficking, what is the reason for them to bully customs officers using the President\u2019s name?\u201d questioned one critic, who spoke on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are dirty drug deals going on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar allegations have been leveled at organized \u201cWomen4ED\u201d trips to neighboring countries, which are also said to be immune from border searches. While rural women may engage in legitimate trade, concerns persist that the scheme could be exploited by higher-ranking officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The finger-pointing has reached cabinet level. Both Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Tino Machakaire, and former Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe have previously pointed to individuals within Zanu PF as major players in the drug trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMinister of Youth Tino Machakaire and Kazembe Kazembe pointed fingers at Zanu PF bigwigs as the major drug trafficking lords in Zimbabwe,\u201d a source reiterated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Zimbabwe not a primary producer of hard drugs, the street supply is necessarily imported, raising urgent questions about border security. Critics note a conspicuous lack of high-profile arrests at entry points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince the problem of drugs started we have not heard of a major individual arrested at a border post! Does it mean we are locally manufacturing the drugs?\u201d a commentator asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are growing calls for decisive action, including a declaration of a state of emergency on drug trafficking and the deployment of specialized law enforcement units to all borders. Proponents suggest rewards for officers who apprehend major trafficking figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe fight against drug trafficking must be a national duty for everyone,\u201d argued an activist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe day President Mnangagwa will declare that any Zanu PF drug trafficking lord is to be arrested, Zimbabwe will be a heaven on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others advocate for extreme penalties, stating,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAny hard drug trafficking lord must get life in jail or the death penalty because they are already killing the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Mnangagwa\u2019s administration has publicly declared a war on drugs, launching several operations and awareness campaigns. However, critics insist the fight will remain ineffective unless it targets the alleged \u201cuntouchable\u201d figures who operate above the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zanu PF officials have consistently denied any institutional involvement in or protection of drug trafficking, labeling such accusations as politically motivated smears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government has yet to officially respond to the latest specific allegations regarding border group advertisements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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