‘We Are Losing Our Children’: Glen Norah Residents Appeal for Help

HARARE — Residents of Glen Norah's Chitubu area are appealing for urgent intervention from authorities, community leaders, and anti-drug agencies amid growing concerns over drug abuse among young people in the community.

Community members say drug and substance abuse has reached alarming levels, with families increasingly reporting cases of addiction, school dropouts, crime, and deaths linked to the problem. Residents have specifically raised concerns about a location locally known as "pa Mkanya", which they allege is being used as a base for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Community members claim the activities are widely known within the area and have become a source of anxiety for many families.

According to residents, reports have been made on numerous occasions to the police and other authorities. However, community members say they remain concerned because the alleged drug trade continues despite repeated complaints. One resident, who contacted Southerton Business Times, said the issue had become deeply personal after losing a family member to drug abuse.

"I recently lost my brother because of the drug problem affecting our community. It is painful to see more young people falling into addiction while many parents remain unaware of what their children are going through," the resident said.

Residents say the situation is affecting the future of many young people, with some families struggling to access counselling, rehabilitation, and support services.

Community members are now calling for a coordinated response involving law enforcement agencies, health authorities, churches, schools, social workers, and local leaders to address both the alleged supply of drugs and the growing demand among youths. They are appealing for thorough investigations into the concerns raised and for increased community awareness programmes aimed at preventing substance abuse.

The residents say they are prepared to cooperate with authorities and provide any information that may assist investigations. As Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising concerns over drug and substance abuse, the residents of Glen Norah say urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life and to protect vulnerable young people from addiction. Authorities had not yet responded to the specific allegations at the time of publication.

Glen Norah drug abuse