New drug trend in Harare, as Hatcliffe youths are now inhaling and eating shoe polish to get high - Community in shock ‼️

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Community leaders in Hatcliffe have raised alarm over a disturbing new form of drug abuse in which young people are reportedly inhaling or consuming shoe polish to get high.

The revelation came during an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign held at Hatcliffe Community Hall on Friday where residents, churches, schools, police and government agencies joined forces to denounce the rise of unconventional drug use among youths in high- density suburbs.

Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume described the fight against drug abuse in Hatcliffe as critical urging stronger efforts to eradicate drugs and hold suppliers accountable.

"The fight against drugs is a critical issue here in Hatcliffe and across the city. We are determined to eradicate drugs, identify the sellers, and rehabilitate victims. It's imperative that we double down on our efforts and solutions"

Mafume said He warned that the crisis had escalated beyond local boundaries calling ita nationwide pandemic requiring urgent, coordinated action.

"This is a statewide, nationwide problem that we must tackle head on" Mafume added.

Churches at the event pledged to increase counselling and mentorship programmes while urging parents to engage more with their children to prevent drug use.

Some residents Vowed to assist authorities in

identifying and exposing local drug dealers.

Learners from nearby schools dramatised the

devastating effects of drug abuse through drama

and choreography performances.

Tanyaradzwa Sande the Junior Member of

Parliament for Hatcliffe Constituency

representing the Women's Quota encouraged her

peers to focus on positive pursuits.

"To my fellow ladies, there are better things to do

than engaging in drug and substance abuse.

There are jobs and opportunities out there let's

build our country together" she said.

However, some students said the problem ran

deeper than awareness.

Ivy a local pupil said family struggles and child-

headed households were major drivers of

substance abuse.

"Some young people turn to drugs because they

are forced to become breadwinners. Awareness

campaigns are being ignored because people are

struggling to survive" Ivy said

Zimbabwe Communities Against Drug Abuse

representative Elliot Chitiyo said his

organisation was shocked to learn that shoe

polish had become a substance of abuse.

"It came as a surprise that shoe polish is now

being used as a drug. We will investigate further

and alert authorities albout other potentially

harmful substances" Chitiyo said.

The campaign concluded with a strong call for

collective responsibility with stakeholders

urging communities, families and authorities to

unite in combating the deepening drug crisis

and protecting the country's youth.

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