The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has urged Parliament to urgently review and strengthen sentencing laws for drug peddlers, arguing that current penalties are too lenient and fail to reflect the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse on communities.
ZNOART National Chairman,Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba said drug abuse has emerged as a “new war” that threatens to destroy the social fabric of communities and jeopardise the future of Zimbabwean youths if left unchecked.
“Drug and substance abuse is the new war confronting our nation. It is destroying families, increasing crime and robbing Zimbabwe of a productive generation,” said Mr Chikomba.
He said lenient sentencing has emboldened drug peddlers, allowing them to return to communities and continue supplying dangerous substances with little fear of meaningful punishment.
“The penalties currently imposed on drug peddlers are too light. They do not match the harm caused by these substances, especially to young people. Parliament must urgently act and impose stiffer sentences to deter offenders and protect our communities,” he said.
Chikomba said ZNOART has adopted a zero-tolerance and proactive approach to fighting drug and substance abuse, working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders to combat both suppliers and users.
“We organise anti-drug awareness campaigns and community interface meetings across the country to educate residents and students about the dangers of drug abuse. We also work directly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and like-minded stakeholders to fight drug suppliers,” he said.
While advocating for tougher penalties, Chikomba stressed that the fight against drug abuse should not focus on punishment alone. He said rehabilitation and prevention were equally critical in addressing the crisis.
“Beyond punishment, there is a need for rehabilitation of those already affected and strong prevention measures. Communities must have support systems that help victims recover and reintegrate into society,” he said.
ZNOART’s call comes at a time when cases of drug and substance abuse are rising, particularly among youths in urban and peri-urban areas, raising alarm among community leaders and parents.
As part of its ongoing engagement with residents, ZNOART has invited members of the public to a Residents Interface Meeting scheduled for January 23, 2026, at Westlea Gardens in Harare, from 0900hrs to 1400hrs, where drug and substance abuse will be among the key issues to be discussed.
ZNOART is an apex body representing associations and residents in Zimbabwe, with a mandate that includes service delivery, community and infrastructure development, environmental and waste management, health care, gender and social welfare, transparency and accountability, as well as the fight against drug and substance abuse.
