ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Gutu South Pupurai Togarepi has bemoaned widespread drug and substance abuse in the area, warning that the scourge is a threat to national security.
Addressing a gathering after an inter-constituency sports tournament held at Mawungwa Secondary School over the weekend, Togarepi said drug abuse was being used as a sophisticated tool to destabilise the country.
“Drug and substance abuse is a sophisticated warfare aimed at destabilising the country. Drugs promote violent behaviour that can fuel unnecessary uprisings against a constitutionally elected government,” Togarepi, who is also the Zanu PF chief whip, said.
He also warned about the health effects of the chemicals used in some substances being abused, noting that they are a threat to life.
“Many chemicals used in drug manufacture cause death. It is prudent to desist from drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Drug and substance abuse impedes attaining Vision 2030 as envisioned by His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”
The sporting event, which ran alongside the Gutu South Constituency Agricultural Show, attracted participants from Hurungwe, Guruve and Magunje.
Davis Marapira, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development deputy minister, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the urgency of addressing the drug abuse menace.
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“We must confront the growing concern of drug and substance abuse among our youth. This scourge threatens the future we are working hard to build,” he said.
The country is witnessing widespread drug and substance abuse among mainly youth, frustrated by the harsh economic climate where jobs are scarce.
Mnangagwa has called for stiffer penalties against drug abusers and cartels supplying the intoxicants.
