BULAWAYO residents say they will continue supporting police in the fight against drug syndicates following the arrest of some drug lords early this month in the city.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube said there should be no let-up in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We are very proud of our police in the city as they are protecting us,” he said.
“This is evidenced by the arrest of drug syndicates last week as this proves they are protecting our youth from consuming drugs which are harmful to their health.”
Dube encouraged residents to expose drug lords in their communities so that they can be arrested.
“Most illegal activities occur in our residential areas and it is necessary for us to engage the police so that those conducting the activities may be arrested, hence giving us better lives,” he said.
“We appeal to the police to protect the source of information on tip-offs so that residents may have confidence to inform the police without fear of being exposed so that those conducting illegal activities within the city face the full wrath of the law.”
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association provincial secretary for administration, Thabani Ndlovu called for stiffer sentences on drug peddlers.
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“This will send a signal to others that anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be punished accordingly,” he said.
“As residents, we have to have good relations with our police as they work towards protecting us and our children from drug lords.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has also called for stiffer penalties on drug peddlers.
Last year, government admitted that Zimbabwe was facing a growing problem of substance abuse especially among unemployed youth.
Researchers have attributed the increase to waning parenting, poverty, idleness, broken homes, social influence and stress, among other issues.
According to Afrobarometer, the problem can only be solved through the intervention of schools and family members.
