Kazembe Kazembe has issued a strong warning against people operating illegal drug rehabilitation centres across Zimbabwe. He said authorities will act against anyone exploiting vulnerable families for profit.
The Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister made the remarks during the Mashonaland Central provincial drug and substance abuse interface meeting. He stressed that rehabilitation centres must comply with all legal requirements before opening.
Government warns illegal rehabilitation operators
Kazembe said anyone can establish a rehabilitation centre if they follow the correct registration process. However, he warned that authorities will not spare those breaking the law.
He said: “People are free to establish rehabilitation centres, but they must follow the procedures.
“They have to apply for registration. The Ministry of Health is responsible for inspecting the premises and licensing those who meet the required 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.”
His comments follow the closure of an unlicensed rehabilitation facility in Shamva. Authorities shut down Lancos Rehabilitation Centre on July 21 after inspectors uncovered serious health and human rights violations.
The facility’s owner, Lancos Kuuyangepi, 30, later received a two-year prison sentence for operating without a licence.
Inspectors discovered overcrowded rooms and poor sanitation throughout the centre. They also found inadequate food, untreated injuries, unsafe detoxification practices, forced labour, and allegations of patient abuse.
New agency to strengthen anti-drug efforts
Meanwhile, Kazembe revealed plans to strengthen Zimbabwe’s response to drug and substance abuse. He said the proposed Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency will lead that effort.
The agency will be created under the Drug and Substance Abuse Bill, which is currently before Parliament.
According to Kazembe, the organisation will coordinate the country’s fight against drug and substance abuse. A Director General will lead the agency with support from two deputy directors.
One division will focus on intelligence gathering and dismantling drug syndicates. It will also target traffickers and strengthen law enforcement operations.
The second division will oversee prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and demand reduction programmes. In addition, it will help recovering users reintegrate into their communities.
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