Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana, has issued a stern warning against a disturbing trend in which some parents are reportedly lacing food items such as muffins and cakes with illegal drugs and selling them to unsuspecting school children.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Gaborone on Thursday, Mr Ramaotwana condemned the practice as not only illegal but morally reprehensible.
“Some parents are the ones selling drugs, hidden in muffins and cakes, children buy these things unknowingly and end up getting addicted,” he said.
He described the act as ‘evil’ and a betrayal of the parental role to nurture and protect, warning that it directly threatens the future of Botswana’s youth.
“Their mental health and future will then be distorted. As leaders and as parents, we are supposed to protect children, not destroy them,” he stated.
Mr Ramaotwana emphasised that drug abuse was a national concern, as it undermined public health, escalated crime, and destabilised families and communities.
“Drugs do not only affect the mind, they affect life in general, crime goes up, mental health deteriorates and families as well as communities are torn apart,” he added.
Highlighting the growing link between drug use and rising youth delinquency, violence and theft, Mr Ramaotwana called for collective accountability and community vigilance.
He further urged all parents and guardians to take responsibility and be vigilant about what their children eat and who they buy from, furthermore appealing to communities to report individuals involved in such acts, regardless of their status or relationship.
“We cannot allow this poison to spread through our neighborhoods and schools, if you are a parent doing this, stop it now, you are not just breaking the law, you are destroying lives,” he warned.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s readiness to respond, noting that institutions have been strengthened with resources, training and partnerships to counter the crisis.
The day was held under the global theme: The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, reinforcing the importance of proactive, community-driven responses over punitive approaches.
Mr Ramaotwana called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively, noting that effective drug prevention required a multi-sectoral approach that includes education, law enforcement, mental health services and community involvement.
In line with this year’s theme, he advocated for stronger preventive measures over punitive ones, including greater investment in school-based awareness programmes, youth mentorship and accessible counselling services.
Residents echoed the minister’s concerns. Ms Gomolemo Moeti, a community member, confirmed a growing presence of drug-laced food items being sold near schools by individuals posing as legitimate vendors.
Ms Moeti said that substances such as marijuana and CAT were commonly used, with serious consequences for children’s mental and physical health.
“We’ve seen sudden behavioral changes, cognitive decline and addiction among minors, it is heartbreaking,” Ms Moeti said.
She called for stricter enforcement, random food inspections of vendors near schools, and greater investment in mental health and addiction support services, saying the impact of drugs continues to threaten the lives and futures of the nation’s young people.
Another resident, Ms Keletso Keagile of Bontleng, emphasised that substance abuse was a major contributor to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and psychosis among the youth.
“When a young person turns to drugs, they are not just endangering their health, they are stepping onto a path that often leads to broken dreams, lost potential and in some instances, crime and imprisonment,” Ms Keagile said.
The day’s proceedings concluded with artistic performances and moving testimonials from former addicts, all reinforcing a unified message that drug abuse was a crisis that requires compassion, collaboration and long-term action.
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