GWERU – Police has called on the media to help them fight the rising scourge of drug and substance
abuse which it says has become a security concern in the country following widespread usage by
both the young and old.

National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi speaking during a media
engagement meeting organised by the Media Institute of South Africa, Ass Comm Nyathi said the
issue had become topical in the country as it is affecting all sectors of the country.

“Drug and substance abuse is becoming an area of security concern and we are happy with what the
media is doing, but lets do more to expose this vice.

“Let us collaborate with the police because it is affecting both the young and old, police officers and
even journalists,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.

“No one is spared from this issue of drug and substance abuse, so we might fight as a team.”
Misa-Zimbabwe Trustee Cris Chinaka said the media and police should have a cordial relationship so
that they are able to serve their constituencies.

“There should be no hostility between the two but they should respect each other’s spaces which a
both bound by some interest,” he said.

A total of 84 people were arrested in Midlands Province between August and October this year for
drug and substance abuse-related crimes.

Because of the scourge, the Government had formed provincial drug and substance abuse
committees mandated to fight the problem in their areas.

Ass Comm Nyathi, as have members of the public also raised his concern over the rate of corruption
by police officers especially on the roads saying the police command did not condone corruption by
its officers or anyone.

“Let us join hands in fighting this corruption and if as members of the media you see it taking place,
you should report,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi was happy to note that some of the reports leading to arrests of police officers
were coming from journalists.

“We have arrested police officers after such reports and even during ‘Operation Tame the Jungle’ we
arrested police officers for corruption.

“Commuter omnibus operators and mushika shika operators should also avoid corruption.
“As long as you are doing lawful activities there is nothing to fear and no one should come to you
and ask you to pay,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi applauded the good relationship between the media and police which he said
both serve the people of Zimbabwe.

He said the media should play a critical role in fighting crime.

“The media should not be just about reporting but about contributing to the socioeconomic
development of communities,” he said.

Ass Comm Nyathi said they continue to face challenges of rape, robberies, murders and stock theft
among others.