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Crime Reporter 

DRUG cartels and individuals peddling drugs in Zimbabwe or using the country as a transit point will be hunted down, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said yesterday.

A police crackdown on drug peddlers and syndicates started recently, with 143 peddlers arrested and their bases destroyed in raids focusing on Harare and Chitungwiza. 

The raids concentrated on Mbare, Chitungwiza, Mabvuku, Epworth, Dzivarasekwa, Glen Norah, Mufakose, Southview and Highfield.

Speaking in Harare yesterday, Minister Kazembe said: “May I take this opportunity to warn drug cartels and individuals who are peddling drugs in communities that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is coming after you.

“I am aware that there are syndicates involving local and foreigners who are using the country’s points of entry and exit to engage in drug trafficking. The syndicates will be dealt with once and for all by law enforcement officers.”

Minister Kazembe warned criminals engaged in unlawful entry and theft cases as captured on some videos circulating on social media that they will be brought to book.

“I am pleased that some of the suspects involved in the Damofalls and Ruwa cases have been arrested,” he said.

Minister Kazembe said it was wrong, mischievous and premature for anyone to assume that uniformed forces were involved in these robberies. 

He urged citizens to be on the lookout for criminals who could be masquerading as uniformed forces.

“We kindly urge the public to report any suspicious activities in that regard and as much as possible, provide evidence,” said Minister Kazembe. 

“Whenever there is a case of robbery, let us allow the police to do their investigations before making conclusions. Anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted regardless of their status in society.

“Zimbabwe is a peace loving country and our uniformed forces are doing a great job in maintaining that.” 

There should be law and order, underpinned by police visibility and cooperation from the public, he said.