Zimbabweans Go Wild As Alleged Drug Pin Boss Dhama Leads Police Anti-Drug Campaign In Mbare

Boss Dhama Leads Police Anti-Drug Campaign In Mbare And Zimbabweans Go Wild

Zimbabweans have reacted with shock, anger and ridicule after controversial Mbare figure Simbarashe Chanachimwe — popularly known as Boss Dhama — was seen leading a police anti-drug and substance abuse campaign in the same high-density suburb where he is widely accused of fuelling the drug crisis.

The event, which took place on 18 July 2025, featured Dhama at the front of a community march coordinated with Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers as part of the “No to Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances” campaign. Photos and videos of the march quickly went viral on X, drawing outrage from citizens who believe Dhama’s public role in the initiative is both “ironic” and “offensive”.

“Boss Dhama leading an anti-drug campaign is like Natbrew or Delta leading an anti-beer campaign; or mosquitoes leading an anti-malaria campaign!”
— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope), 18 July 2025

“This is like Pablo Escobar fighting drugs”

Many Zimbabweans expressed disbelief that someone accused of selling drugs in Mbare would be elevated to a leadership position in an anti-drug programme.

“A drug dealer leading an anti-drug and substance abuse campaign? Haaa munoda kutsiurwa imi.” (You deserve a scolding.)
— @philllip_c, 18 July

“Imagine Temba leading a campaign encouraging abstinence.”
— Tapiwanashe Chiriga (@tapiwa_chiriga), 18 July

“When you invite a mosquito to cure malaria.”
— Nyasha Mpani (@NyashaMpani), 18 July

“King Von leads anti-gun violence campaign. Same vibes.”
— @NPCJameel, 18 July

Several users referenced Dhama’s well-documented history, including previous drug-related arrests and associations with local Zimdancehall figures DJ Fantan and Levels. Many highlighted that police once raided his alleged base of operations in Mbare and recovered drugs.

“This guy has singlehandedly ruined a generation.”
— Ruvarashe (@beloved_ruva), 19 July

“Even at 8 a.m., that hall was always packed with ghetto youth, highly intoxicated and loud music.”
— Ruvarashe (@beloved_ruva), 19 July

Dhama’s criminal history revisited

In February 2023, Dhama was arrested as part of the same nationwide operation he is now helping promote. Police recovered 26 sachets of dagga and a 1.7-metre cannabis plant from his alleged base at Block 14, Matapi Flats, Mbare.

At the time, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said:

“I hear he can’t be located. Possibly on the run.”
— Nick Mangwana, 2023

ZRP confirmed the arrest later that month, tweeting:

“The ZRP has arrested Simbarashe Chanachimwe (31), alias Dhama, who was being sought by the police in connection with unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs.”
— ZRP, 21 February 2023

He was granted ZWL$50 000 bail (approx. US$138 / R2,500) and ordered to report to police every two days. But questions remained about how he avoided major consequences, leading many to accuse authorities of operating a “catch and release” system.

“Despite all the bad things about America but we can all agree when it comes to justice, it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor. Zim is rotten.”
— Rodgers, 23 February 2023

“Where’s the justice?”

Dhama’s role in the anti-drug march is seen by critics as a slap in the face to Mbare residents and to families affected by Zimbabwe’s drug crisis.

“Why is he not in jail? If the police won’t do anything we must take matters into our own hands because this is destroying our future.”
— @SpikaOfTruth, 18 July

“Zimbabwe haina kana pekugumira (has no limits). Mashura after mashura endlessly.”
— @TinieSpecialKid, 19 July

“Who’s really bringing drugs to our children in Zimbabwe? Need that hit list.”
— @dondo_comfort, 18 July

Dhama’s past also includes a 2020 New Year’s Eve lockdown breach, where he and Chillspot Records producers DJ Fantan and Levels hosted a massive party in Mbare during COVID-19 restrictions. All three pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour.

They were later granted bail of ZWL$10 000 each after serving just two weeks. Upon release, DJ Fantan and Levels issued public apologies.

Despite his record, Dhama has remained active in Mbare’s entertainment circles and is regularly seen at events sponsored by Zimdancehall figures.