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Diana Baloyi Moyo, dianamoyo@gmail.com
BULAWAYO police are appealing to parents and community members to join forces and intervene in the organised Vuzu parties by school children during the holiday season, which are notorious for involving illicit behaviour.
Such gatherings have increasingly become a phenomenon in various parts of the country.
Unfortunately, Vuzu parties have been linked to an increase in drug and substance abuse among minors and increase exposure to casual sexual activity, putting minors at a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
“Parents are advised to be stricter on their school going children and avoid unsupervised visits to the city centre on the first Saturday after the closing of schools,” Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said.
“On such a day, the children meet for Vuzu parties where they indulge in group sexual activities, and take drugs and alcohol,” said Asst Insp Msebele
“The children mostly group at Bulawayo Centre, Haddon and Sly and the Vista and then head to the party from there.”
The perpetrators insist their gatherings are legitimate, citing birthday celebrations and social events as examples. However, the authorities assert that used and unused condoms and other evidence of immoral behaviour have been found at these types of previous gatherings.
Therefore, the police advised guardians to remain vigilant and not be deceived by the guise of authenticity of such gatherings.
“The police will be deployed in full force on the ground, and every parent is urged to assist by dispersing and reporting any gatherings they come across,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
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