Parliament’s Call Heeded as NPA Takes Tough Stance on Drug Crimes

Following public outrage and concerns raised by Members of Parliament, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) has announced the deportation of nine Chinese nationals convicted of possessing dangerous drugs, including cocaine.

The controversy stems from the initial sentence, which saw the individuals fined only US$150 each. This sparked criticism from the public and lawmakers, who argued that the punishment was too lenient given that the law prescribes fines ranging from US$700,000 to US$5,000, along with jail terms of 15 to 25 years.

In a statement issued yesterday, the NPA reaffirmed its commitment to justice:

“We are taking this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the diligent and fair prosecution of all criminal cases. The NPA is committed to ensuring that all individuals are accountable for their actions in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe, regardless of their nationality or status,” read the statement.

During a National Assembly session on 16 September 2025, Hon. T. Pinduka urged the government to deport the Chinese nationals, describing them as “bad apples” among Zimbabweans.

The NPA confirmed that the nine Chinese nationals are currently awaiting deportation.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of dangerous drugs, as it poses a significant threat to the well-being of our nation,” the statement added.