By Martin Mawaya
SHURUGWI–The River Valley Group of Companies has joined forces with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the fight against drug and substance abuse in Shurugwi District, amid growing concern over rising cases of addiction linked crimes and social decay.
The company donated a commercial stand for the construction of a rehabilitation centre and 1,000 litres of fuel to support police led awareness campaigns targeting communities across the district.
Authorities say the scourge has fuelled a surge in child marriages, school dropouts, and violent crime, prompting calls for collective action involving government, private sector, and civil society.
Speaking during the drug and substance abuse awareness campaign held in Shurugwi recently, River Valley Group Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Smelly Dube, described the situation as a national disaster requiring urgent, united intervention.
“I am reliably informed that Shurugwi records about 150 drug-related criminal cases every month. These include assault, murder, domestic violence, child marriages, and rape,” said Ambassador Dube. “The fight against this scourge needs everyone, parents, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to join hands.”
She warned that the easy availability of illicit drugs on the streets was fueling moral decay, fear, and violence, particularly among the youth.
“As parents and elders, we must guide our youth, share wisdom, and provide listening ears. Let us report suspicious activities and protect our children from harm. Together, we can create a bright and safe future,” she added.
To complement the campaign, River Valley Group donated land in Magatshula suburb for a rehabilitation centre, which will cater for victims of drug addiction and promote reintegration into society.
Officer Commanding Gweru Rural District, Superintendent Shandirai Munemo, expressed deep concern over the rise in social ills linked to substance abuse, warning that the vice was eroding the community’s moral fabric.
“Drug and substance abuse has become one of the most pressing threats to our communities. It robs us of potential, breaks families, and fuels crime,” said Munemo. “Cases of school dropouts due to child pregnancies are increasing, threatening the future of our young people.”
He emphasized that policing alone could not solve the crisis, urging residents, schools, churches, and civic organisations to take an active role in prevention and rehabilitation.
“Policing is not just about enforcement, but also about prevention, partnership, and participation,” he said. “This campaign promotes awareness driven, people centred solutions that strengthen families and communities.”
Munemo also called for the empowerment of young people, especially girls, through education to curb early marriages and break cycles of poverty and abuse.
“Child marriage is not a tradition worth preserving. It is a tragedy that must be stopped,” he said.
