Harare Authorities To Seize Houses And Properties Of Drug Dealers

City Of Harare To Confiscate Houses & Properties Of Drug Dealers

The City of Harare has declared a major crackdown on drug dealers, warning that their houses and properties will be targeted for confiscation. Mayor Jacob Mafume has announced that individuals using their houses for the marketing of drugs will have them shut down by the authorities. This new, aggressive stance forms part of a wider national effort to combat a growing substance abuse crisis.

“We Are Going To Shut Down Their Houses”

The stark warning was delivered by Mayor Jacob Mafume at the Sunshine City Jacaranda Marathon at Harare Gardens last week. He highlighted the alarming reach of drug dealers, who are now reportedly targeting schoolchildren. The Mayor expressed the city’s frustration with the current situation and outlined the severe new penalties.

“We cannot continue to fold our hands while those who poison our youth thrive,” Mayor Mafume emphasized. “We are going to shut down their houses and confiscate their properties if they continue to use them for drug marketing.”

He called for a collaborative effort from the community, insisting that residents must report suspicious activities. Mayor Mafume stressed that the identities of many drug dealers are known and that they represent a significant threat to the city’s youth and families.

National Crackdown Sees An End To Fines

This local initiative in Harare aligns with a new, tougher national policy announced by the government. Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who chairs the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, confirmed that the era of easy fines for drug offences is over. She explained that the previous system was not a deterrent.

“In the past, those who were arrested for having drugs were fined US$30 (about R550). We realised that US$30 was not a deterrent enough. People could easily pay that amount and continue with the same behaviour,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri stated.

She detailed the new legal framework, which ensures all cases go to court and carry heavy prison sentences.

“Just to make sure that arrests do not result in fines. They call for 15 years of imprisonment. This is now the law.”

“Very Ugly Measures” Were Promised

The shift to harsher punishments was foreshadowed by a stark online warning from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba. Writing on X under the pseudonym Jamwanda on 7 October 2025, Charamba promised a severe response.

“GUYS, GET WARNED: We are contemplating very ugly measures for those involved in peddling or consuming drugs. It’s going to be really ugly!!!!! People must not think this is just a campaign or a passing phase.”

The government insists its approach also includes rehabilitation. Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri confirmed the rollout of drug test kits to clinics and police posts to enable early intervention.

“We want to make sure that when people present themselves, or when the community refers them, they are tested and the right help is given immediately. This is about saving lives and also protecting communities.”

The combined message from city and national authorities is clear: the fight against drugs is escalating, and the consequences for dealers are set to become far more severe.