Bulawayo – A man known as Talent was rescued by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade on Friday morning after attempting to take his own life by climbing a floodlight tower in Nkulumane 11. The incident, which occurred at approximately 11am near the UCCCSA church, drew horrified onlookers who feared he would jump.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo confirmed the event. “We were called to rescue a man who was threatening to jump from a tower light in Nkulumane suburb. He appeared disoriented. We had to convince him not to jump and the crew went up to bring him down safely,” he stated.
Moyo added that Talent was incoherent and spoke of his hardships and feeling disliked. “He was taken to Mpilo (Central) Hospital for further management,” he confirmed.
Residents at the scene suggested that Talent was possibly under the influence of drugs or suffering from mental distress. One witness told B-Metro, “Abanye bathi uhlanyiswa yintshengu ubalekile ngibo befunukumusa enhlanyeni,” which loosely translates to “Some say he’s been driven mad by ntshengu (illicit alcohol) and has run away from home because they wanted to take him to a mental health institution.”
Another witness recalled a young man trying to calm the situation, pleading, “Talent, stop taking these things! Talent, stop drinking whatever you’ve been taking!”
Following the rescue, police and fire officials secured the area, keeping curious onlookers at bay. While full details remain sketchy, many residents described the incident as deeply disturbing.
“We are still shaken,” said a local vendor, adding, “We just thank God the fire brigade came on time.”
This incident comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, particularly among urban youth. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this escalating problem.
The Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) reports that approximately 60 percent of psychiatric admissions in public hospitals are linked to drug and alcohol abuse, highlighting the devastating impact of substance abuse on mental health.
In response to this growing crisis, the government has launched a national initiative through the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, coordinated by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Police operations, such as “No to Dangerous Drugs and Illicit Substances,” have resulted in over 7,000 arrests by mid-2025.
Authorities have issued warnings about the dangers of substances such as crystal meth (mutoriro), broncleer, and illegal cough syrups, which are wreaking havoc across the country, with Bulawayo and Harare being particularly affected.
Government Intensifies War on Drugs with New Agency and Legislation
In a parallel effort to combat the drug crisis, the government has gazetted the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill [H.B. 12, 2025]. This legislation aims to establish a powerful new agency dedicated to hunting down drug dealers and providing rehabilitation for users.
The bill, published on 10 October, is described by authorities as a “significant move” in tackling the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse that is tearing through communities, destroying families, and derailing the lives of young people.
Section 3 of the Bill establishes a specialised agency to “enforce laws related to drug trafficking and substance abuse.” Section 4(1)(b) empowers this new body, working in conjunction with the police and security services, to “dismantle drug trafficking and distribution networks” across the country.
The agency will have two main divisions: an Enforcement Division focused on tracking and arresting drug traffickers, and a Social Services Intervention Division dedicated to working with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and social workers to offer addicts a chance at recovery.
However, the crackdown isn’t solely focused on punishment. Section 4(1)(a) also directs the Agency to “facilitate reintegration of affected individuals into society,” acknowledging the growing need for rehabilitation and social support for those struggling with addiction.
This move aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Drug and Substance Abuse Policy, adopted in 2023, which promotes prevention, rehabilitation, and coordinated law enforcement. The policy recognises drug abuse as a national security and public health threat, linking it to rising youth unemployment, gender-based abuse, and urban crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) released a statement saying, “The establishment of this agency will have a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s fight against drug abuse. It will address the social and economic consequences, including family breakdowns, loss of education opportunities, and crime.” Officials believe the Bill will strengthen these efforts.
Justice Delayed, Justice Served: South African Drug Smugglers Finally Convicted
In a separate but related development, justice has finally been served in a case dating back nearly two decades. Two South African men, Johannes James Harry (56) and Sobhuza Aubrey Lingwati (70), have been convicted at the Protea Magistrates Court and sentenced to six years in jail each for drug possession, manufacturing, and corruption. Their crimes involved attempting to smuggle R7 million worth of heroin through the Beitbridge Border Post in 2008.
The case began in 2008 when police officers at Beitbridge stopped a suspicious truck travelling from Zimbabwe. A subsequent search revealed a false compartment welded into the trailer, packed with heroin.
Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa of the Hawks confirmed, “Hawks investigators used a grinder to open the secret chamber and discovered heroin worth over R7 million.”
“The driver, Lingwati, was arrested on the spot. Later, his partner Harry tried to bribe the police not to proceed with the case, but that landed him in handcuffs too,” he added.
Following the arrests, the Hawks raided a plot in Zuurbekom, Gauteng, uncovering a drug manufacturing base connected to the pair.
The Polokwane-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit handled the long-drawn case, which faced numerous delays. However, it finally reached its conclusion this month, nearly 17 years later.
In addition to their prison sentences, both men have been declared unfit to own firearms. Their truck and trailer have also been forfeited to the State as part of their punishment.
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