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
A promising step for public schools, but...

For too long, the state of many public schools has been a source of shame. We have all seen the pictures and heard the stories of broken windows, unreliable water and electricity, topped by classrooms that are not fit for proper learning. The establishment of the Education Infrastructure and Management Company Ltd (EIMC) signals that authorities are finally ready to take this problem seriously. We must commend the government for this initiative....

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