Suburban
Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Borrowdale Crime Liaison Committee (BCLC) in conjunction with the ZRP Harare Suburban District will host a campaign against drug, women and child abuse at Hatcliffe High School along Domboshawa Road on Friday, July 29 2022.
The campaign’s activities start at 0900 hours until 1200 hours and the BCLC is appealing to the Harare North community to kindly donate in cash, fuel, water or drinks for the function.
They need approximately 30×12 cases of water and 10×24 cases of cool drinks. In attendance will be invited guests, BCLC members, teachers from various schools and residents. The campaign is targeting school children from Grade 6 going up.
In an interview, BCLC coordinating committee member Mrs Pat Townsend said that they will be sharing information on the long term effects of drugs and why everyone should say no to drugs. She said they will also touch on women and child abuse.
“At the drug awareness campaign we are going to be highlighting how freely available drugs are and to inform people as to the bad and long term effects it can have on one. That they should say NO to drug and substance abuse. Addiction is serious and can lead to worse problems. It can affect family members seriously too. We will also highlight abuse of women and children on the day,” said Mrs Townsend.
Harare North residents have said they are in support of the campaign because residents and the young people need to be educated on the dangers of different types of abuse.
“I embraced this great start, having read an article of drug abuse reigning supreme in Kabul. Humans and dogs are addicts of heroin and cocaine,” said a resident.
“This is a noble cause. Drug use is the number one driver of serious crimes in all communities especially robbery, thefts, unauthorised entry, assault, rape and smash and grab. I pray that the campaign will be a success thank you so much Pat Townsend for reaching out,” said the resident.
Ward 18 Councillor Ian Makone has also gave his support for the campaign saying he has been working with Hatcliffe youths and all stakeholders should play their part in stopping drug abuse.
“Thank you Mrs Pat Townsend for turning attention to this challenged area. Count me in, I am already involved with youths in our Hatcliffe Parish of the Catholic Church. It’s shocking that drugs are rife in the Hatcliffe area and we need to help put a stop to the abuse,” said Cllr Makone.
