Government Warns Against Illegal Drug Rehabilitation Centres

By Southerton Business Times | Mashonaland Central

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has warned that the Government will take firm action against individuals operating unlicensed drug rehabilitation centres, saying vulnerable families and people recovering from substance abuse must be protected from exploitation and abuse.

Speaking at the Mashonaland Central Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Interface Meeting, Kazembe said private individuals and organisations are free to establish rehabilitation facilities, provided they comply with Zimbabwe's legal and regulatory requirements.

"People are free to establish rehabilitation centres, but they must follow the procedures," Kazembe said.

"They have to apply for registration. The Ministry of Health is responsible for inspecting the premises and licensing those who meet the required standards."

He said authorities would not tolerate operators who exploit vulnerable people by charging excessive fees while running facilities that fail to meet basic health, safety and human rights standards.

"Those taking advantage of vulnerable people, charging huge amounts of money and even abusing patients, like what we witnessed in Shamva, will not be tolerated. The law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable."

The minister's remarks follow the closure of the Lancos Rehabilitation Centre in Shamva, which authorities shut down on 21 July 2026 after inspections reportedly uncovered serious breaches of health and patient welfare standards. The facility's owner, Lancos Kuuyangepi (30), was subsequently convicted of illegally operating the rehabilitation centre and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. According to authorities, inspectors found the facility was operating without the required licence and identified overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, untreated injuries among patients and unsafe detoxification practices. Authorities also alleged that some patients had been subjected to abuse and forced labour.

Kazembe said the Government intends to strengthen Zimbabwe's response to drug and substance abuse through the establishment of a Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency under the Drug and Substance Abuse Bill, which is currently before Parliament. The proposed agency would serve as the country's specialised institution responsible for coordinating efforts to combat drug trafficking, prevent substance abuse and improve access to treatment and rehabilitation services.

According to the minister, the agency will be headed by a Director General supported by two deputy directors. One division will oversee law enforcement, including intelligence gathering, disrupting drug trafficking syndicates, supporting investigations and strengthening anti-drug operations. The second division will focus on social services, including prevention programmes, treatment, rehabilitation, demand reduction initiatives and the reintegration of recovering substance users into their communities.

The Government has identified drug and substance abuse as one of Zimbabwe's most pressing social challenges, particularly among young people. In recent years, authorities have intensified nationwide awareness campaigns, law enforcement operations and rehabilitation initiatives as part of a broader strategy to curb the growing prevalence of illicit drug use. Public health experts have consistently argued that an effective national response requires a balance between law enforcement and accessible, evidence-based treatment services that protect the rights and dignity of people seeking recovery. The proposed Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating these efforts should the legislation be approved by Parliament.

Illegal drug rehabilitation centres Zimbabwe