Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Drug abuse has reached alarming levels in Bulawayo province prompting the police to issue a stern warning to liquor shops and registered outlets selling alcohol and cigarettes to underage children.

Officer Commanding Bulawayo province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo issued the warning on Monday during a stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at finding solutions to curb rising crime rates in the city.

He noted that drug abuse has become rampant among both adults and youth, with children as young as 10 years old now involved in criminal activities linked to substance abuse.

“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in criminal behaviour among boys and girls as young as 10, and this is directly tied to drug and substance abuse,” he said.

“School dropouts are increasing, and what is even more troubling is that some parents and guardians are turning a blind eye to their children’s involvement in criminal activities.”

Commissioner Chizemo expressed concern over the growing trend of alcohol being sold to minors, saying this is a clear violation of the law.

“Our laws are clear, the legal age to purchase alcohol at registered liquor outlets is 18 and above. The same applies to the sale of cigarettes and tobacco. Shopkeepers must adhere to these regulations,” he said, assuring the public that the police are actively investigating, arresting and prosecuting offenders.

“As police, we are asking where are the parents and guardians? A 10-year-old boy skips school to meet his peers, abuses drugs, and returns home late. Who is monitoring these children?” he questioned, noting that some parents .

He called for a united front in the fight against drug abuse, urging parents to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour, adding some parents only realise at the end of the term that their child has not been attending school.

Comm Chizemo also warned community members who lure children into illegal gatherings, such as the infamous Vuzu parties.

“We are sending a strong message to these culprits that police are ready to arrest them. We urge the public to report such criminals to their nearest police station. We have zero tolerance for such offenders,” he declared.

The Commissioner stressed the urgency of addressing the drug menace, warning that failure to act could have dire consequences for the country’s future.

New Ziana