Simbarashe Chanachimwe, better known as Dhama, an alleged Mbare drug dealer arrested in 2023 and now serving as a councillor, has been indirectly named in fresh allegations by Zimdancehall artist Malloti Rose, who claims that authorities are turning a blind eye not only to him but also to other influential figures allegedly controlling Harare’s drug trade.
In an interview on the DJ Sparks Podcast, Malloti said she was merely a drug user and not a supplier, but alleged that well-known figures, some with political influence, are behind the distribution of drugs.
“I know the suppliers of drugs. If the police want, I can accompany them to the bases. I am just a drug user, not a supplier,” she said.
Without mentioning his name, she further alleged that a prominent drug supplier in Mbare, whom she linked to political office, had previously led anti-drug campaigns despite being involved in the trade.
The person who was elected as a councillor and has led an anti-drug campaign is Dhama.
He is a well-known drug supplier in Mbare.
“There is a well-known drug supplier in Mbare who once led an anti-drug campaign, carrying placards, yet he is one of the biggest suppliers of drugs in Harare. I believe he is a councillor,” she said.
Malloti argued that law enforcement efforts often target users rather than suppliers, questioning the effectiveness of current anti-drug operations.
“Now there are calls to arrest Hulengende and Malloti, but if these drugs were not being supplied in the first place, where would we get them?
“People turn to drugs partly because those who supply them, often influential individuals, are not held accountable. I am simply an addict who depends on the supplier,” she added.
Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of her and her husband, who is also a fellow artist, Hulengende, after they were named in Parliament over allegations of promoting and normalising drug and substance abuse through their social media content.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Zvimba South legislator Taurai Malinganiso accused the pair of using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook to glamorise drug use, including cannabis and the misuse of codeine-based cough syrups.
He called for stricter regulation of digital platforms and stronger enforcement of drug laws.
The allegations have sparked broader debate, with anti-corruption activist Jacob Ngarivhume weighing in, saying the issue points to deeper systemic challenges.
Ngarivhume said the claims reflect widespread concerns that influential individuals linked to the ruling party are involved in drug trafficking while publicly supporting anti-drug campaigns.
“What this discussion exposes is the deeply entrenched deceit in the government when it comes to fighting drugs. Drug dealers are known to the police, and some of them have been appointed councillors, MPs and ministers,” he said.
He added that enforcement agencies often focus on arresting low-level offenders instead of targeting alleged high-level suppliers.
In February 2023, police arrested Dhama after raiding his flat and recovering 26 sachets of mbanje and a cannabis plant. The arrest was part of a nationwide operation targeting drug dealers and peddlers.
Chanachimwe was later elected as a councillor under the Zanu-PF banner in 2023, a development that fueled debate over accountability and vetting of public officials.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has said it is waiting for a formal extradition request from South Africa before taking action to arrest Malloti, who is wanted in connection with an armed robbery.
