By Heather Buzuzi
MUTARE,22 May 2026 – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education have intensified awareness campaigns in Manicaland schools aimed at combating drug and substance abuse, child sexual abuse and cyber bullying among learners.
The campaign, running under the theme “Not in My School,” was conducted yesterday at Dangamvura High School and Nyamauru Primary School, where learners and teachers received awareness lessons on social challenges affecting schools and communities.
The joint campaign was led by Officer Commanding Police Manicaland Province, Commissioner Charles Nhete, who stressed the need for collective efforts in protecting children from harmful behaviour and criminal activities.
Addressing learners, Commissioner Nhete warned against the dangers associated with social gatherings and substance abuse.
“Some social gatherings expose young people to danger. Drugs can be mixed into drinks and this may lead to abuse or rape. Victims should not suffer in silence but report such cases to trusted people and the police,” he said.
Nhete also warned against sexual misconduct and abuse, including practices commonly referred to as chiramu, saying some behaviours often dismissed as playful could amount to criminal offences.
“Your sister-in-law is not your wife. People should desist from inappropriate conduct. Boys who touch girls’ private parts, even playfully, are committing an offence,” he said.
He further cautioned learners and communities against placing unquestioned trust in individuals abusing positions of authority.
“Some church leaders have been implicated in sexual abuse cases. Communities should remain alert and report criminal behaviour regardless of who is involved,” said Nhete.
Commissioner Nhete also raised concern over public safety, discouraging the use of unregistered private transport commonly known as mushikashika.
“We encourage people to use registered public transport to minimise crime risks. Those who do morning exercises should move in groups as criminals are targeting isolated individuals, particularly women,” he said.
Police officers and education officials also engaged learners on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, warning that increasing drug use among youths was contributing to indiscipline, violence and poor academic performance in schools.
The campaign further focused on child sexual abuse, with officials encouraging pupils to report abuse cases early and avoid keeping silent when faced with exploitation or harassment.
Learners were also educated on cyber bullying and the dangers associated with misuse of social media platforms, as authorities urged responsible use of digital technology.
The awareness programme forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts by police and education authorities to create safer learning environments and reduce social problems affecting school children.
Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
