By Fanuel Chinowaita
CHIPINGE – Chibuwe Technical High School has pledged to establish a 46-member Student Police unit to help combat drug and substance abuse and other forms of indiscipline following a crime prevention awareness program conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday.
The program, led by Officer Commanding Chipinge District Chief Superintendent Edmore Kelosi, brought together learners from Chibuwe Technical High School, Masimbe Secondary School, Kubatana Secondary School and Mwacheta Secondary School.
Welcoming the initiative, Chibuwe Technical High School Vice Principal praised the police for taking crime prevention messages directly to schools, saying the program had equipped learners with knowledge to make responsible decisions.
He announced that the school would establish a team of about 46 Student Police officers who would work closely with teachers by reporting cases of drug and substance abuse and other disciplinary issues affecting learners.
Addressing students, Kelosi described drug and substance abuse as one of the greatest threats facing Zimbabwe’s youth, warning that dangerous substances such as crystal meth (mutoriro), mbanje and illicit alcoholic drinks were destroying lives and educational opportunities.
“I stand before you today not just as Officer Commanding this Police District, but as a parent who deeply cares about your future,” Kelosi said.
“Our nation is moving forward under Vision 2030. However, that vision will mean nothing if our most precious resource – you, our youths – is destroyed by making reckless choices before you reach adulthood.”
He warned that learners found dealing in, possessing or abusing illegal drugs risk arrest and criminal records that could permanently affect their future careers.
“Drugs do not solve stress; they multiply it. They destroy your brain, spark severe mental health challenges, ruin your health and force you out of school,” he said.
Kelosi also warned against bullying, school-based gangs, cybercrime, early child marriages and sexual exploitation, urging students to report criminal activities to teachers, parents or police officers.
He reminded learners that offences committed on social media, including sharing explicit images and sending threatening messages, are punishable under the Cyber and Data Protection Act.
“The internet never forgets. Once you press ‘send’, you lose control of that data forever,” he said.
Kelosi further urged learners to focus on their education and become partners with the police in building safer communities.
“The ZRP sees you as partners, not targets. We want to see you graduate, build businesses and lead our communities,” he said.
Following the Chibuwe program, the police team proceeded to Checheche High School, where Chief Superintendent Kelosi delivered the same crime prevention message, encouraging learners to reject drugs, cybercrime, bullying and early child marriages.
The awareness campaigns are part of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s ongoing community policing strategy aimed at reducing youth involvement in crime and promoting safe learning environments across Chipinge District.