Prisons boss warns against drug abuse

GWERU – The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commissioner General Moses
Chihobvu has urged school children to desist from drug and substance abuse which is addictive and
pose life-long detrimental effects to one’s physical, mental and social being.

Speaking at the inaugural Commissioner General Sports Gala and Merit Awards held at Whawha
Prison Complex last Saturday, Comm. Gen. Chihobvu said as the nation faces the impending threat
of drug and substance abuse, it was the responsibility of every citizen to put in place deterrent
mechanisms to safeguard the youths from indulging in drugs.

The Commissioner General Sports Gala and Merit Awards, attended by all schools under the ZPCS
stewardship, was initially scheduled for October, but had to be moved from Mutare to Gweru due to
the Cholera outbreak in Manicaland province.

He urged school authorities to instil and nurture the culture of “Ubuntu” in school set-ups.

“This will certainly set a strong foundation for inculcating ethical ideals among learners. Such morals
are instrumental for instituting reciprocity, establishing peaceful relations, promoting human dignity
and the value of human life as well as upholding tolerance and mutual respect amongst citizens,”
said Comm. Gen. Chihobvu.

The Merit Awards were put in place to encourage sports and academic excellence. The school with
the most improved infrastructure was also rewarded.

He challenged school authorities to identify and nurture talent in the field of sports “given that
participation in sports is fundamentally a metaphor for life”.

“Remember that some prominent sporting persons in the country have earned and others are still
earning a lucrative living through serious participation in various sporting activities at national,
regional, continental and international levels,” he said.

Comm. Gen. Chihobvu gave an example of ZPCS member Felistus Kwangwa, the national netball
team captain, who is currently plying her trade in the United Kingdom.

He encouraged all schools to maintain appropriate hygienic standards to stop cholera from
spreading.

“Take all the necessary steps and advice as given by our health personnel in order to be safe for the
pandemic is taking away lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, Whawha won in the primary schools football category after dispatching Harare Central
5-3 on penalties. The game had ended goalless in regulation time. Khami beat Chipinge in the
secondary schools soccer final.

Primary schools netball champions were Gwakwe who beat Whawha in the final. The secondary
schools final was won by Khami who beat Chivunze of Chipinge.

The winners were given, a ball, gold medals, US$200 and reading books hamper.