HARARE – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, has made a startling allegation that some senior officials within the ruling ZANU PF party are abusing their positions to engage in drug trafficking, raising fresh concerns about the depth of the country’s drug crisis and alleged high-level complicity.
Speaking in remarks reported by the Daily News, Kazembe said the illicit drug trade in Zimbabwe is no longer confined to street-level dealers, but has penetrated influential political and economic circles. He claimed that individuals holding senior positions are exploiting their authority, networks and protection to peddle drugs, undermining national efforts to combat substance abuse.
The minister did not name the officials involved, but his comments have sent shockwaves through political and security circles, given the sensitivity of accusing senior figures within the governing party. Analysts say the remarks implicitly acknowledge long-standing public suspicions that powerful actors are shielded from prosecution despite the growing visibility of the drug trade.
Zimbabwe has in recent years witnessed a sharp rise in drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, with methamphetamine—commonly known as mutoriro—emerging as a major social and public health threat. Communities across urban centres have reported increasing crime, mental health challenges and family breakdowns linked to drug addiction.
Kazembe said the ministry was intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking networks, warning that no one would be spared if evidence emerged. He stressed that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to pursue cases without fear or favour, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
However, critics argue that repeated acknowledgements of high-level involvement must be matched by visible arrests and prosecutions to restore public confidence. Civil society groups and opposition figures have long accused authorities of selectively enforcing the law, targeting low-level offenders while politically connected individuals operate with impunity.
Political analysts say the minister’s comments place pressure on the government to demonstrate seriousness in addressing corruption and criminality within its own ranks. “Once a cabinet minister admits that senior party officials are involved, the credibility of the anti-drugs campaign will depend entirely on whether action follows,” said one Harare-based analyst.
The allegations come amid broader concerns about governance, corruption and accountability, as Zimbabwe seeks to project an image of reform and stability to both citizens and international partners. Whether Kazembe’s claims mark the beginning of a genuine internal reckoning or remain rhetorical warnings is likely to be closely watched in the coming weeks.
