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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent—
POLICE have expressed concern over the increase in the number of teenagers committing heinous crimes across the country. The police have attributed these crimes to alcohol and drug abuse. Yesterday, police in Harare arrested a 19-year-old teenage driver who knocked down a pedestrian while trying to evade a roadblock.

Paul Tadzima went through a red robot, knocking down a 60-year-old pedestrian and was found in possession of two twists of dagga when he eventually stopped.

The teenager is facing negligent driving, failing to comply with police orders among other charges. National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba also made reference to two Gweru teenagers who have made headlines after they allegedly killed their guardians in cold blood.

A 14-year-old boy from Gweru allegedly killed his 41-year-old family maid after she accused him of stealing a memory card.

In December, another Gweru teenager aged 19 confessed to killing his mother whom he claimed had refused to give him money and her car.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said alcohol and drug abuse are the major contributory factors in such crimes.

“Teenagers are operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs. It’s important that we issue a stern warning against the use of drugs by teenagers. This leads them to commit all sorts of crimes. We’ve a 14-year-old who killed his family maid and a 19-year-old boy who killed his mother. This can only be a result of alcohol and drug abuse. Parents should monitor their children so that they don’t misbehave,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

Last year, a 17-year-old Form Three pupil from Pumula South suburb was arrested after he killed his aunt who had tried to reprimand him for using a cellphone containing pornographic material.