Sithokozile Majola
TWO NATIONS REPORTER

BEITBRIDGE-Drug and substance abuse crimes have soared by 172 per cent in Matabeleland South from 2022, and cases are prevalent in schools, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
Acting Officer Commanding Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Peter Sibanda, said drug abuse is also likely the cause of the aggravated assault, murder and assault cases.
He said this during an engagement with traditional leaders at Full Gospel Church in Dulibadzimu last Friday.
He said only 13 drug abuse and peddling crimes were recorded from January-April 2022. The cases increased to 49 in the same period in 2023. This translates to a 172 per cent increase.
The engagement was attended by several chiefs and headmen.
“Drug crimes have risen by a staggering 172%, which suggests that drug and substance abuse has sharply increased.
As Police, we believe that a substantial number of aggravated assaults or murders are a result of drug influence.
“The Province has experienced drug abuse cases in schools like Gwanda High, Madlambuzi, and Usher High School. We should encourage communities to watch the behaviour of our youths and take appropriate action,” said Sibanda.
Mat South’s overall crime rate increased by 10 per cent from 3 691 cases during the same period to 4 358 this year.
Beitbridge has the highest increase of 258 cases, from 1 123 in 2022 to 1 382 in 2023, recording a 23 per cent increase. Gwanda crime increased by 16 per cent from 929 to 1 078, followed by Umzingwane with a seven per cent increase from 962 cases in 2022 to 1 026 in 2023.
Bulilimamangwe crime dropped by eight per cent from 947 cases to 873 cases in the same period.