Drugs brutally swallowing our youths

ADMIRE’S mother cupped her face in her hands in shame, as her drunken son passed uncomplimentary remarks on an elderly banana vendor.

This was before he relieved himself in full view of the public and nonchalantly continued with life as if nothing had happened. He looked pale and haggard. His dirty clothes and drunken stupor passed him off for a mental patient who needed immediate psychological assistance.

“Tose tiri huruva isu, tose tichaparara, baba chitsidzo icho, hunde baba kani,” Admire sang at the top of his voice mimicking Paradzai Mesi.

He unsuccessfully attempted the famed

Borrowdale dance routine as his legs were numbed on account of his drunken state. As all this was happening, his mother was wailing helplessly in shame.

“What did I do to deserve this? What sin did I commit to have such a son, when those of others are excelling? I deserve better,” his mother could be heard saying while being led away from the scene by some women.

Such are the goings-on in ghettos where some youngsters have regrettably become hooked onto drugs.

From daybreak to sunset, it is now common to be met by bands of drunken yobs doing all sorts of lewd things.

“We are tired of this. Our youngsters are taking drugs and alcohol openly. The biggest challenge we have is that the sources of the drugs are known but it is taking long for arrests to be made. If there is a time the police should sweep into action, it is now! They must arrest everyone, from the suppliers to consumers of the drugs,” fumed Mr Livious Chirombe of Mbare.

He reckons youths are now treading a dangerous path.

“I have never seen this before. Our children are prepared to even sell their clothes and valuables like laptops and cellphones for a song just to be able to buy these intoxicating substances.”

Mrs Chipo Maroodzo of Kambuzuma is equally disturbed.

“My son is generally reserved, but when he takes that drug (mutoriro) he turns into an animal. He threatens to beat up everyone at home and his appetite becomes abnormal.

“Sadly, he does not want to work. He now has a habit of stealing things even from our tenants and only God knows where this problem will end. I am in trouble because of his misdeeds,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.

She can no longer leave her handbag unattended.

“If you want to lose out, and spectacularly, then leave your handbag or other valuables within his reach. He is stealing a lot these days and does not want to bath. His wayward behaviour is even affecting my marriage because his father blames me,” she said.

You can no longer move about freely in most high-density suburbs without being swarmed by hordes of youths demanding cash for drugs and booze.

You cannot even barbecue freely. They will grab the salty chew at your expense.

It is apparent that we now have a drug abuse challenge, hence immediate action by relevant authorities is required. Inotambika mughetto.

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