Mmegi

Let’s stand against the menace of ‘CAT’

The alarming rise of methcathinone, commonly known as Cat, in our communities demands urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders. This potent drug has swiftly become one of Botswana’s fastest-growing industries, infiltrating every corner of the country and preying on people of all ages, particularly the youth. It’s a menace that cannot be ignored any longer.

Methcathinone’s addictive grip is tightening, and its consequences are devastating. Lives are being ruined, families torn apart, and futures dashed by its destructive power. The drug’s allure knows no bounds, with various methods of ingestion making it accessible to users of all preferences.

Whether it’s snorted, smoked, injected, or taken orally, the outcome is the same: a path of ruin and despair. It is time for action. The government, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Botswana Police Service, parents, educators, and the wider community must come together to combat this epidemic. First and foremost, the government must enact stringent laws and allocate resources to tackle the production, distribution, and sale of methcathinone. We need robust legislation that targets both suppliers and users, with severe penalties for those who profit from others’ suffering.

Editor's Comment
DIS must correct costly stalemate

More than P8.1 million has already been spent, yet there appears to be no lasting solution in sight. This is not simply a dispute between the DIS and a group of officers. It is a matter of public accountability. Every pula spent by government comes from taxpayers who expect public funds to be used wisely and responsibly, especially during economic hardships faced by many.The officers exercised their constitutional right to seek justice through...

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