Police Raids in Bulawayo Uncover Drug Ring Involving Minors and Adults
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — Separate crackdowns by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) in Bulawayo’s western suburbs and the city centre have led to the arrest of several suspects, including minors, in connection with dangerous drugs and substances.
The raids, conducted in Entumbane, Njube, and the central business district, resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of Broncleer cough syrup, marijuana, and crystal meth. Shockingly, those arrested included a 12-year-old Grade Seven girl, a 14-year-old Form Two boy, and an 18-year-old Form Three female, highlighting the growing crisis of drug abuse among schoolchildren.
Disturbing Details Emerge
One of the arrested individuals, a security guard and a resident of Entumbane, was allegedly hosting drug initiation parties for children as young as 12 years old. During the raids, police discovered schoolchildren, school dropouts, and adults engaging in illegal activities at his residence.
Among the suspects is Elliot Ndlovu (24), who had reportedly intimidated Entumbane residents by claiming he was “untouchable” by the police. Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, dismissed Ndlovu’s claims, stating, “There is no one above the law.”
Arrested Suspects and Seized Drugs
The police paraded the arrested suspects and confiscated drugs at the Bulawayo Central Police Station. The arrested suspects include:
• Ashley Richardson (22) from Njube
• Thomas Phiri (19) from Entumbane
• Ronald Ncube (24) from Emganwini
• Ntuntuko Masuku (20) of Entumbane
• Michael Ncube (34), address unknown
• Nikita Mhlanga (36), accused of hosting vuzu parties and selling drugs to schoolchildren
Several juveniles, including a 17-year-old school dropout and a 17-year-old Form Three student, were also detained but later released into the custody of their parents or guardians.
Ongoing Investigations
The crackdown followed a tip-off from vigilant community members and police intelligence. Authorities believe that most drug peddlers in Bulawayo are aged between 19 and 25 years.
Last Friday, police arrested four more suspected drug dealers, including Aubrey Muchenje, Sylvester Moyo, Elton Ndlovu, and Owen Muchenje, after a community tip-off. The arrests led to the recovery of 40 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 1 kilogram of marijuana, and sachets of crystal meth.
Court Appearance Scheduled
The suspects, including the alleged drug dealer Nikita Mhlanga, are expected to appear in court on Thursday. Police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating drug abuse and called for continued community cooperation.
Community Commended
Assistant Inspector Msebele praised the Entumbane and Njube residents for their courage in reporting illegal activities despite threats and intimidation from drug dealers. She emphasized, “As police, we want to assure the public that information supplied to us will be acted upon in confidence.”
The raids mark a significant step in Bulawayo’s fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, with authorities pledging to maintain pressure on drug networks and ensure the safety of the city’s young population.