It is important to shift the approach to drug use from a criminalized behaviour to a public health strategy to mitigate drug-related accidents in the mining sector, stated Wilson Box, Director of the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network.
Speaking at a drug awareness workshop held at Cresta Jameson Hotel, Box emphasized the necessity of providing treatment options for drug users rather than resorting to criminalization.
He explained that decriminalization of drugs in the mining sector would ensure that drug users receive treatment instead of facing criminal prosecution, which often leads to issues such as bribery and the emergence of hardened criminals after imprisonment.
“Decriminalization involves transitioning drug use from a criminal offence to a public health approach, focusing on supporting individuals who use drugs rather than targeting those who sell or distribute them,” Box elaborated. “Currently, there are limited dedicated centres for treating drug users. With decriminalization, we envision the establishment of numerous treatment centres where individuals can seek assistance for drug use challenges.”
Box highlighted the potential benefits for artisanal miners, who frequently encounter drug-related accidents due to overdosing or impairment while working underground. “Through decriminalization, artisanal miners can access treatment services, reducing the prevalence of drug use and consequently decreasing the likelihood of accidents,” he emphasized.
By deploying qualified personnel to oversee treatment programs, decriminalization aims to address drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal offence, ultimately contributing to a safer working environment in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
