The upcoming trial of M’diwa Chanetsa Mliswa, daughter of prominent politician and village head Temba Mliswa, has thrust a spotlight on the devastating impact of crystal meth in Zimbabwe.
M’diwa Chanetsa Mliswa, along with her accomplice Tawanda Chigudu, faces charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs after being found with 1.3 grammes of crystal meth.
The case, set to commence on July 29th, has sparked a national conversation about the growing drug epidemic and its impact on families and communities. M’diwa Chanetsa Mliswa’s arrest, in particular, has raised eyebrows, given her father’s outspoken advocacy against drug abuse.
Temba Mliswa, the former Norton Member of Parliament, who is now a sabhuku back in his village, has been a vocal critic of drug use, often calling for stricter penalties for drug offenses. He has even gone so far as to compare drug dealing to attempted murder, highlighting the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
“Being an advocate against drug abuse and a parent again it could be a frustrating time. However I reiterate my position that drugs are bad and we have to fight them,” Temba Mliswa stated, reflecting on his daughter’s situation.
“If it requires arresting culprits then so be it as it may be one way to save them from themselves. The penalties for those who sell, even politicians, should even be stiffer as they endanger other people. Peddling drugs should be equated with attempted murder as the path of drug use is one highway to death.”
Mliswa’s stance is a testament to the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the crystal meth epidemic in Zimbabwe. The drug, known locally as “mutoriro” or “dombo,” has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly in urban areas where unemployment and poverty are rife.
“This drug will just make you get into another zone altogether; we can spend the whole night talking and enjoying ourselves. We live in a world of our own and can even forget about our daily troubles,” Solomon Sigauke, a young resident of Kuwadzana, explained, offering a glimpse into the allure of the drug.
Despite its high cost, a gram of crystal meth costing $12, equivalent to a week’s rent in a township, the drug’s addictive properties have led many to seek it out, often at the expense of their families and livelihoods.
“If I had money, I would buy it every day,” Sigauke admitted, highlighting the drug’s powerful hold on its users.
The drug trade has also become a lucrative business, with suppliers like “Blah” Bullet operating networks across Harare, peddling crystal meth alongside other illicit substances, including cannabis and prescription drugs.
“The market is growing fast,” Bullet explained. “Before it had only been youths in the affluent suburbs who could afford it, but now young people are turning to the drug in townships, where there is little else on offer.”
The consequences of this epidemic are far-reaching, with families torn apart by addiction and individuals resorting to desperate measures to feed their habit. Sigauke, for instance, was forced to sell his family’s electrical appliances to fund his addiction, ultimately leading to his estrangement from his father.
“His father does not want to see him. He almost reported Solo to the police because of his behaviour,” Marlon Muchaka, Sigauke’s friend, revealed, highlighting the devastating impact of addiction on family relationships.
The situation in Zimbabwe is a stark reminder of the global drug crisis, with crystal meth posing a significant threat to individuals and communities alike. The drug’s highly addictive nature and its ability to induce psychosis and schizophrenia have fueled a public health crisis, straining mental health facilities and leaving families grappling with the devastating consequences of addiction.
The trial of M’diwa Chanetsa, while focusing on a single case, serves as a powerful reminder of the societal impact of the drug epidemic. It raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of current drug policies, the need for increased awareness and prevention programs, and the importance of providing adequate support and treatment for those struggling with addiction.
