A respected Gweru medical professional, Doctor. Farikai Manjeya (49), has found himself at the centre of a criminal investigation, remanded in custody after police executed a dramatic raid on a doctor’s residence. This week, a magistrate denied his bail application, ensuring that Doctor. Manjeya will remain behind bars alongside three co-accused, as the investigation into the alleged illicit activities continues. The group faces charges of turning a sanctuary for healing into what authorities describe as a hub for the recreational use of crystal meth, locally known as mutoriro.
Court proceedings revealed that the arrests, made on 9 November 2025, were the result of a targeted operation by law enforcement. Police reportedly acted on a community tip-off that flagged unusual smoke and suspicious activity at the property. Upon arrival, officers encountered a scene that highlighted the alleged seriousness of the offence.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the police found the accused actively smoking crystal meth using J-pipes and lighters. Paraphernalia associated with drug use, including an empty sachet, was seized as evidence. The immediate apprehension of Doctor. Manjeya, alongside Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29), and Tariro Pambwa (35), followed the discovery.
The prosecution opposed the granting of bail, citing the nature of the offence and its location as aggravating factors. They argued that the crime scene—a residence linked to a medical professional—exacerbated the seriousness of the charges. Prosecutors contended that releasing the accused could jeopardise the investigation, as there was a high risk of potential witness interference. Magistrates found these arguments persuasive, resulting in the denial of bail and the continued detention of all four suspects.
Following the hearing, the NPAZ reiterated the importance of community involvement in the fight against drug abuse. A spokesperson for the authority urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of substance misuse. “It is imperative that our communities collaborate closely with police authorities. Reporting all suspected cases of drug abuse is fundamental if we are to protect our youth and the wider fabric of our society,” the representative stated.
The case comes amid a heightened national campaign to combat drug and substance abuse. Zimbabwe’s National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce has been empowered to implement a multi-pronged approach targeting the full spectrum of the problem—from street-level users to suppliers and clandestine chemists operating in secret. Authorities emphasise that tackling the epidemic requires concerted efforts from both law enforcement and communities.
Gweru Doctor Refused Bail Amid Crystal Meth Scandal
For Doctor. Manjeya, the fallout has been both swift and dramatic. Once a respected figure in the medical community, the physician now faces the stark reality of incarceration, his professional reputation hanging in the balance. Colleagues and patients alike have expressed shock over the allegations, highlighting the stark contrast between his public standing and the charges leveled against him.
The legal process is ongoing, with investigators working to piece together the circumstances that led to the use of illegal substances in what should have been a safe and professional environment. The prosecution has indicated that they will pursue the matter rigorously, emphasising that the case represents a broader societal concern about the infiltration of drugs into spaces meant to uphold health and wellbeing.
This incident underscores the increasing scrutiny on drug abuse in Zimbabwe, particularly in areas and institutions traditionally associated with care and professionalism. Authorities hope that the high-profile nature of the case will serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the message that no individual, regardless of social or professional status, is above the law.
Meanwhile, the NPAZ continues to appeal to the public for cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, stressing that community tips are often crucial in identifying and dismantling illegal drug operations. The collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains central to curbing the spread of substance abuse and protecting vulnerable members of society.
As Doctor. Manjeya and his co-accused remain in custody, the focus now shifts to the judicial process. Their detention serves as a reminder of the serious consequences associated with the possession and use of illegal substances, as well as the broader societal commitment to combating drug-related crime. For the physician, the coming months will test not only his legal strategy but also the resilience of his personal and professional reputation.
In the meantime, authorities continue to press the message that vigilance, reporting, and strict adherence to the law are essential tools in safeguarding communities from the devastating effects of drugs like crystal meth. The case of Doctor. Manjeya is a stark illustration of the ongoing challenges facing Zimbabwe in the fight against substance abuse, highlighting the intersection of personal responsibility, professional accountability, and public safety.
Source- iHarare
