By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
MDC-T Matebeleland South legislator, Sipho Mokone has bemoaned the rampant substance abuse among youths across the country.
Speaking during a recent parliamentary sitting, Mokone questioned government’s policy in curbing drug abuse in local communities.
“My question is directed to the Minister of Home Affairs. I would like to know what is the government policy on eradicating massive drug abuse and establishment of drug lord syndicates across the country who are causing serious social instability and also killing the future of children,” she said.
Mokone, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information Media and Broadcasting Services added that a number of students in Matebeleland were now using drugs.
“The reason for my question is because children of school going age seem to have fallen victims of these drugs.
“I have witnessed this several times in the province where I come from, in Matebeleland,” she added.
Codeine, cough syrup broncleer ‘ngoma’ also known as Ngoma, psychotropic pills ‘madembare’ and crystal meth ‘mutoriro’ are some of the drugs abused suburbs nationwide.
High density suburbs such as Mbare, Highfield, Epworth and Makokoba have become known harbours of drug abuse.
Reports released earlier in March revealed that some drug users are boiling sanitary pads and baby diapers for liquid which they mix with broncleer for a stronger drug.
Citizens have blamed the high rate of substance abuse on the country’s deteriorating economy.
There are also a few rehabilitation centres countrywide, most of which are expensive and out of reach of the ordinary citizen.
