THE Storm, a thrilling novel that brings the dark underworld of powerful drug lords, illicit drug markets, human trafficking and the organised crimes of high-ranking government officials to life, launched at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe last Saturday.
The event drew local writers and literature enthusiasts. It had a panel discussion featuring performance poet, Chirikure Chirikure, guitarist and music producer Clive Mono Mukundu, and lecturer John Stewart who shared insights into the book’s themes.
The Storm weaves in historical facts about Zimbabwe, dating back to the 18th Century and the impact of economic sanctions on the country. Notable figures such as Cecil John Rhodes, Joshua Nkomo, Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa are mentioned within its 278 pages.
Written by Elliot Chatima and Rumbi Chen, the book delves into the introduction of drugs in Zimbabwe and has scenes set in Bulawayo, Beitbridge, Harare, Lusaka, the United States, and other locations worldwide. It pits Zimbabwe and the US as bitter rivals after the adoption of the United States dollar by the Zimbabwean government as a transaction currency making it a hotspot for drug trafficking, money laundering, armed robberies, human trafficking and other illicit activities. The two countries eventually find a reason to cooperate when a fictional character Jonathan Bowman Zuva or JBZ, who is a notorious and ruthless drug trafficker, accidentally kidnaps the US ambassador’s wife and son as well as 10 girls, forcing the US and Zimbabwe to put aside diplomatic differences and work together to rescue the hostages.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) combine their expertise to take down the notorious drug lord, who is believed to provide useful information to Martinez, a notorious drug trafficking US-based ghost who is responsible for drug influenced killings.
Though it is a work of fiction, The Storm draws parallels with the Al Jazeera documentary Gold Mafia, which was released last year and sought to expose illicit financial flows from Zimbabwe. It chronicles the dark underbelly of the drug world and its far-reaching consequences on health, culture and society. It chronicles drug trafficking in Columbia and Mexico, showcasing the struggles of law enforcement in both countries.
Through fictional characters and places, the book narrates the distribution of drugs across Zimbabwe and the organised crime that follows, highlighting the struggles of the police as they battle to contain the drug epidemic, despite corruption within their ranks.
Graphic scenes and strong language make it suitable for readers aged 18 and older. The authors hinted at releasing a toned-down version in the future.
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Chen, born Chenai Faith Rumbidzai Dunduru, writes fiction, Christianity, tradition and about environmental sustainability. She is currently based in Melbourne, Australia, while Zimbabwe-based Chatima is a promoter of environmental, social and cultural rights with a focus on marginalised groups in Zimbabwe and Africa. He is also interested in topical issues such as mental health and drug abuse-related challenges.
