400 Arrested in Matabeleland South Drug Crackdown
- Chipo Basira
- 07 May, 2026
400 Arrested in Matabeleland South Drug Crackdown
Police in Matabeleland South have arrested 398 people since January 2026 in a major crackdown on drug and substance abuse.
Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe said the operation targets drug suppliers and distribution networks across the province. Of those arrested, 119 were identified as suppliers — 61 women and 58 men.
In total, 169 women and 229 men have been detained. So far, 233 suspects have been taken to court, with 165 paying admission of guilt fines. Of the court cases, 161 have resulted in successful prosecutions.
Authorities said the rise in female involvement, especially in trafficking and distribution, is a growing concern.
The government is also running rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. So far, 131 people have been admitted for treatment and counselling before being referred back to their communities. Twenty-eight have already completed reintegration.
As part of recovery efforts, three people have started skills training under the Young Africa programme, with two completing solar installation training. Seven women trained under the Msasa Project are now offering counselling through mobile one-stop centres in Mangwe District. Another 21 youths from Mangwe and Beitbridge are undergoing rehabilitation and vocational training at Guyu Youth Service Centre.
Infrastructure is also being upgraded. The Old TB Centre in Gwanda will be converted into a rehabilitation centre, with US$286,000 pledged by the National Task Force on Drug and Substance Abuse for renovations. The OI Clinic in Plumtree is also being improved.
Minister Nguluvhe said awareness campaigns, patrols, and community empowerment initiatives are ongoing to prevent drug abuse and support recovery.
At national level, Zimbabwe is implementing the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, which covers enforcement, prevention, treatment and reintegration. The plan builds on the National Drug Master Plan adopted in 2021.
The province’s drug and substance abuse fund currently holds ZiG$2,072 and US$24,241.
Last year, the government allocated ZiG$865 million to support the programme and is calling on businesses and development partners to contribute.
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