Angel of Hope opens doors to sixth intake amid rising rehab demand… Dubbed the ‘University of Restoration’

Heavy scenes of anguish and desperation marked the admission of the sixth intake at the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare yesterday, as families brought in loved ones whose lives have been ravaged by drug and substance abuse.

Some arrived in chains, restrained to prevent harm to themselves or other people. Others appeared visibly unkempt, clothes soiled, bodies frail and hair matted, clear signs of prolonged neglect.

A few uttered incoherent statements, lost in mental distress, while others stared blankly, disconnected from their surroundings.

One of the more striking cases involved a man whose nails were unnaturally long, about 5cm, twisting in a way that looked almost menacing. Nearby, others were in chains, one with painted hair and one, visibly drunk, muttered, “ndangotorwa ndichinzi ndirikuenda ku interview.”

To highlight the seriousness of the issue, some even had the audacity to plead for drugs to be brought in, claiming their addiction was unbearable.

Parents and guardians formed long, winding queues outside Stodart Hall, clutching documents and hope in equal measure.

For many, this was not merely registration day, but a final attempt to rescue children and siblings who had spiralled beyond their control. Before admission was finalised, all parents and guardians signed indemnity forms as part of the centre’s formal intake procedures. The sixth intake was once again oversubscribed, reflecting both the scale of the drug crisis and the growing confidence in the centre’s rehabilitation model.

Families travelled from across the country after hearing testimonies of transformation from former beneficiaries.

Security personnel had to intervene in some instances as other patients tried to resist admission.

A number of them arrived in handcuffs after violent episodes at home. Others attempted to smuggle in drugs, including crystal meth, marijuana and tumbwa, but alert officials confiscated the substances upon entry.

Despite the distressing scenes, a sense of optimism emerged after the intake was completed. Former inmates, now disciplined and sober after completing their skills training at a local vocational centre, also arrived yesterday, much to the delight of their families.

They first met the First Lady before performing coordinated drills. Welcomed by their parents and guardians, they stood as living proof that recovery is possible.

Some of the past graduates have even gone on to pursue further studies in Algeria, marking a new chapter in their journey of transformation.

Addressing families, the First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, urged parents and guardians to work closely with the rehabilitation team throughout the programme, emphasising the importance of cooperation and ongoing consultation during the recovery journey.

The First Lady said upon completing the rehabilitation process, beneficiaries would proceed to vocational training institutions where they would acquire practical skills to help them reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.

Dr Mnangagwa also expressed her sincere gratitude to local and international partners whose continued support sustains this important work and strengthens the mission to restore lives and rebuild families.

Veteran broadcaster and substance-abuse survivor Oscar Pambuka shared his emotional testimony, describing the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre as a “University of Restoration”.

“You are a selected few, chosen ones, and you should take advantage of this opportunity to reclaim your lives. Imagine if everyone were drunk, like zombies, unable to build our country,” he said.

He recounted how addiction nearly destroyed his career and sense of identity.

“After years in broadcasting, I lost my way. I was jailed, but I managed to reclaim my life. Here, your mind will be aligned, and your skills imparted.

“Stigma can trigger relapse. What is needed is support, discipline, and a change in mindset,” said Pambuka.

A grandmother wept as she recounted how her own son had nearly killed her.

“He grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to kill me at night, shouting, ‘I want to kill you!’ I had seen it all; he cursed me in ways I can’t even repeat publicly. Thanks to this rehabilitation centre for restoring hope among our children,” she said.

An elderly man praised the First Lady’s compassion, calling her love unmatched for openly and freely taking care of the drug victims.

“I had lost all hope. I wandered the streets in shame, helpless, as my own child stole maize from people’s fields and tore apart asbestos sheets just to survive. This rehab has finally given me a sense of relief and hope,” he said, his voice trembling.

Another mother shared how her child had turned her home into a base for drug users.

“My child was on drugs, and I only realised the full extent later. People were gathering in my house, using and selling drugs.

“When I tried to chase them away, they simply set up another base where he would go with his friends, even sleeping there for four months without coming home. I felt powerless and heartbroken,” she said.

A man who arrived with his brother in chains described how crystal meth had transformed him into a violent threat to their family.

“Drugs had completely ravaged him. I had to beat him with a stick and chain him just to bring him here after multiple attempts to resist,” he said.

Another mother, visibly exhausted, described years of turmoil.

“My son stopped bathing and caring for himself. He would disappear for days. We lived in fear because he became violent. Even seeing him restrained today gives me relief, because I know he is finally in a safe place.”

Another parent said her daughter had become withdrawn and incoherent.

“She sometimes speaks words that do not make sense. She does not recognise relatives. We tried everything before coming here. This is our last hope.”

Another brother who escorted his sibling said the family had endured theft, destruction of property and constant conflict.

“She would break windows, sell household goods and threaten neighbours. Bringing her here was painful, but necessary.”

As the sixth intake begins its rehabilitation journey, families leave with guarded hope that beyond the chains, confusion and despair, restoration and dignity can still be reclaimed. *_-Sunday Mail_*