Mnangagwa declares zero tolerance on drugs within military ranks

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning against drug and substance abuse within the country’s security sector, declaring that harmful substances must never be allowed to infiltrate Zimbabwe’s military establishment.

Addressing newly commissioned officers at the Pass Out Parade of Regular Officer Cadet Course 3/41/24 at the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru on Friday, the President — who is Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces — described drug abuse as a growing national security threat.

In a speech marked by both pride and caution, President Mnangagwa congratulated the graduands for completing 21 months of tough military training but made it clear that discipline must extend beyond the parade square.

“Shun drugs and substance abuse, which is now a national security concern,” he charged. “Drugs and harmful substances must never find a foothold within our military establishment.”

The President’s remarks come amid heightened national concern over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths.

By directly addressing the issue before the newly minted officers, he indicated that the fight against drugs is not only a social or health matter, but a strategic security priority.

Military institutions, he said, must remain bastions of discipline, moral uprightness and professionalism. Allowing drug abuse within the ranks would erode operational readiness, weaken command structures and compromise the integrity of the defence forces.

President Mnangagwa reminded the officers that they are no longer civilians but guardians of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity — a responsibility that demands mental alertness, physical fitness and unimpeachable character.

“You are no longer civilians. Welcome to a life of sacrifice and service,” he said, urging them to uphold patriotism, loyalty, discipline and integrity throughout their careers.

The strong anti-drug stance reinforces Government’s broader campaign to curb substance abuse across the country, with the President positioning the defence forces as a leading example in maintaining zero tolerance.

As the young officers prepare to deploy to various formations and units, the Commander-in-Chief’s message was unequivocal: the uniform they now wear must never be stained by drugs, indiscipline or moral decay.

With that firm directive, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces were reminded that safeguarding the nation begins with safeguarding the character and conduct of those entrusted to defend it.

The government of Zimbabwe  implemented a comprehensive plan to combat drug and substance abuse, which includes a whole-of-government approach. The plan, approved in April 2024, aims to create a healthy and secure nation free from illicit drugs and substances. It focuses on seven critical pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psychosocial support and community reintegration, policy and legal enforcement, and media and communication.

The plan also emphasizes the establishment of a National Drug Agency to provide strategic leadership and coordinate the implementation of the plan. This agency will ensure that Zimbabwe's efforts are consistent with regional and international frameworks and will address the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse, including poor health outcomes and social and economic problems.