Get Warned: President Mnangagwa’s Spokesperson Warns Of “Very Ugly” Measures For Drug Peddlers And Consumers

A senior government official has issued a stark warning, stating that “very ugly measures” are being considered for individuals involved in the peddling or consumption of illegal drugs. The chilling statement comes amidst a series of high-profile drug busts and arrests that have gripped the nation.

The warning was delivered via social media by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba. Writing on his X account under the pseudonym Jamwanda, Charamba posted a dire message on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. He wrote:

“GUYS, GET WARNED: We are contemplating very ugly measures for those involved in peddling or consuming drugs. It’s going to be really ugly!!!!!”

This public declaration from a top government figure suggests a significant and severe shift in the state’s strategy for combating the drug trade.

A Series of High-Profile Arrests

The spokesperson’s ominous warning follows a flurry of drug-related arrests reported throughout September and October 2025, involving a diverse range of individuals from celebrities to the politically connected.

In one of the most prominent cases, Robert Mugabe Junior, the son of the late former President, was arrested on October 1, 2025. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, he is alleged to be the leader of a drug peddling syndicate. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated on 2 October that the bust of this network led to a significant recovery. He said:

“The haul from the syndicate consisted of 25 sachets of Indo hybrid dagga and six ecstasy pills.”

This official account contrasted with the details presented in court for Mugabe Junior’s personal case. Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira explained that during a traffic stop, a search of Mugabe Junior’s bag revealed a smaller stash. Chigumira told the Harare Magistrates Court:

“Upon searching the accused’s black sling bag, police officers recovered two sachets of dagga, one pack of Rizla, and a white dagga crusher.”

The dagga was weighed at 2 grams, with a street value of US$30 (approximately R550). Mugabe Junior was granted bail of US$300 (approximately R5,500) on 3 October after spending two nights in custody.

On Monday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police announced that former Zimbabwe Warriors forward Abbas Amidu was arrested in a major bust. The police reported a seizure of 750kg of dagga found in a vehicle on the Kwekwe to Kadoma Highway. The police stated the drugs had an estimated street value of US$75,000 (approximately R1.4 million).

Contrasting Legal Outcomes

The government’s new tough talk is set against a backdrop of notable contrasts in the judicial system’s handling of drug cases. In late September, popular Zimdancehall artist Ras Pompy was sentenced to six months in prison. The musician, whose real name is Nyasha Reginald Mano, was convicted on 22 September 2025 after a high-speed chase with detectives, who found 100 bottles of assorted cough syrups in his car, valued at US$396 (approximately R7,200).

This outcome differed significantly from a case involving nine Chinese nationals. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) confirmed the nine were arrested during a raid on 3 September 2025 and pleaded guilty to using cocaine. They were fined just US$150 (approximately R2,700) each on 4 September. The NPAZ later confirmed the individuals were awaiting deportation.

The sequence of these legal proceedings and the government’s newly promised “ugly measures” indicate a nation intensifying its focus on the scourge of drugs.