Savious Madanhire
The quest for beauty has turned deadly in Zimbabwe, as unverified skin lightening, penis enlargement products, breast and bum enlargement creams and pills flood the market, posing threats to citizens’ lives.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Drugs Department recently launched a public awareness campaign in Gweru to educate citizens about the risks associated with these products.
Health experts warn that these products contain harmful ingredients that may permanently damage skin, organs, and overall health.
At the campaign, CID and Chief Inspector Jinduru, the Officer in Charge of Shurugwi, emphasized the harmful effects of these products.
“Skin lightening creams such as Epiderm, Movate, Bu-tone, Diproson contain high levels of damaging substances like hydroquinone and mercury which burn melanin, exposing users to skin cancer.”
These products go on to affect the liver, kidney, and nervous system, cause severe skin reactions, hives or allergic reactions, weight gain, loss of pigment of hair and eye infections and disorders.
Breast and bum enlargement creams and pills such as Appetito have also raised concerns.
“These products burn fats around the breast and bum area, causing uneven growth making them feel attractive but these products have irreversible effects of repositioning body structures hence making it difficult for one to walk in public again.”
“Women also use a product named African black ant to try to restore lost virginity, this product tightens the vagina but harms during intercourse as this may lead to cervical cancer and womb challenges due to friction encountered during intercourse.”
Officer CID went on to say Penis enlargement products such as blue diamond, Python black, AK47 and “Congo dust” or “sexual performance enhancers,” have alarming side effects.
“These products can cause a prolonged erection, as some tend to expand veins on the manhood leading to blood flow issues, hence leading to situations where one faints or collapses during sexual intercourse because of low circulation of blood to the brain.”
“If one takes these products and does not meet up with a partner, he might resort to rape as these products require one to perform sexual intercourse once taken.”
The use of “Congo dust” during sexual intercourse has also raised concerns, for example, a man in Chitugwiza who used the product and pick up a Hooker ended up running away as the man would not finish the intercourse hence the man ended up suffering pro longed erection until he was admitted and went for immediate operation.
ZRP emphasizes the importance of natural beauty and self-acceptance hence they aim to educate the public about the risks and encourage them to make informed choices.
Additionally, the ZRP is intensifying its campaign against substance abuse, particularly among youths.
“Drug abuse and unverified cosmetics are interlinked, as both can lead to addiction and destructive behavior. Young people, particularly women, are vulnerable to the false promises of these products, which can lead to irreversible damage.”
The ZRP’s efforts aim to protect citizens from harmful products and promote a healthier, more confident society.
