Bulawayo experienced a bustling start to the third term yesterday as thousands of learners headed to boarding schools across Zimbabwe, prompting police to intensify safety awareness campaigns aimed at protecting children from drugs and other criminal activities.
Early in the morning, parents and guardians converged on two major pick-up points — City Hall and the OK Mart parking area — from as early as 7AM. Many were engaged in last-minute shopping, buying groceries, stationery, uniforms, and sports attire to ensure their children were fully prepared for the new school term. The vibrant scenes highlighted both the excitement of returning to school and the logistical challenges faced by families during the back-to-school rush.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said law enforcement agencies were on high alert due to an increase in incidents involving learners found in possession of drugs and other illicit substances. Many of these cases, she noted, were linked to areas around pick-up points where children gather.
Bulawayo Authorities Call on Parents to Prioritise Safety During School Run
“Our message to guardians and parents is simple: not everyone loitering at these pick-up points has good intentions. Some of them are drug peddlers trying to sell marijuana and illicit alcohol to schoolchildren,” Insp Msebele warned. She stressed that the police were determined to clamp down on such criminal activities. “We warn drug peddlers that their days of selling drugs to learners are over. The long arm of the law will ensure public spaces such as pick-up points remain safe for children,” she added.
Parents at the pick-up points echoed concerns about ensuring children’s safety while also preparing them for school. Many focused on buying essentials such as groceries, stationery, and uniforms. Others purchased summer sports gear in line with rising temperatures, while some prioritized items like school hats and shoes to ensure children could comfortably participate in physical activities.
In addition to safeguarding learners from criminal elements, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued road safety warnings targeting transport operators and school authorities. Officials urged drivers to exercise caution, avoid speeding, and ensure that school buses were roadworthy. Overloading of vehicles was strongly discouraged. “Drivers should exercise caution, avoid speeding and ensure buses are roadworthy. Overloading will not be tolerated,” read an official ZRP statement.
Police also issued guidance to schools on financial security. Authorities urged educational institutions to deposit tuition fees directly into banks rather than storing large sums of cash on premises. “Holding large amounts of cash on school property can attract criminals, increasing the risk of robberies. Schools are advised to bank fees promptly,” the statement said.
The government, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the education sector as the 2025 academic year enters its final term. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo said the focus remains on teacher training, resource provision, and the overall professional development of educators.
“Intensive training workshops, mentorship programmes, and subject-specific panels are being conducted to enhance the capacity of our teachers. Updated syllabuses and digital resources will be distributed to all schools by the end of the year,” Minister Moyo said. He added that districts experiencing teacher shortages have been authorised to recruit locally to bridge gaps and ensure that learners receive adequate instruction.
Minister Moyo also highlighted the government’s efforts to expand school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where educational facilities remain limited. Partnerships with private sector players are being pursued to construct additional classrooms, upgrade existing facilities, and provide essential learning materials to underserved communities.
The combined efforts of the police, school authorities, and the Ministry of Education are intended to ensure that the start of the term is both safe and productive for learners. Authorities have emphasised that maintaining vigilance at pick-up points, promoting road safety, and safeguarding school finances are critical components of a holistic approach to student welfare.
As students settle back into classrooms, parents and guardians are being encouraged to continue monitoring their children’s activities, both at school and en route. The early-morning buzz at Bulawayo’s pick-up points serves as a reminder of the many preparations families undertake to ensure a smooth start to the term, while also underscoring the need for ongoing collaboration between law enforcement, educators, and the community to protect learners from emerging threats.
With schools in Bulawayo reopening fully for the third term, both authorities and parents are committed to ensuring that students enjoy a secure and enriching academic environment, supported by well-trained teachers, safe transport, and sufficient resources.
Source – Byo24
