admin Letwin Mubonesi
A KENSIGNTON Private Hospital employee in Harare was last week ordered to pay $300 fine or alternatively serve six months in prison after she was found in possession of unregistered drugs.
Tinotenda Muchemwa appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Langton Mukwengi.
She pleaded guilty to contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Act which outlaws the illegal possession of unregistered medicines.
Mr Fletcher Karombe appeared for the State.
The court heard that on January 20, Muchemwa who resides at House Number 18004, Zengeza 2, Chitungwiza was found in possession of unregistered 40×500 capsules of Amoxylin tablets which she had allegedly imported from Mozambique.
“Detectives from CID Mutare Drugs Section were on patrol at Mudzviti Bus Terminus when they received a tip-off that the accused was in possession of unregistered Amoxylin tablets which she had imported from Mozambique for resale in Zimbabwe.
“The detectives who include Sergeant Marwere, Constables Mhonda and Skepa approached Muchemwa and searched her bags. They found 40×500 capsules of Amoxylin tablets. She was immediately arrested,” said Mr Karombe.
Asked to explain her conduct, Muchemwa could only pleaded leniency.
“I was not the one who bought the tablets. Someone bought the tablets for me in Mozambique, I erred Your Worship,” replied Muchemwa
However, Mr Mukwengi ordered her to pay $300 fine or spent six months behind bars.
“Your drugs have been forfeited to the State. You are urged to desist from buying and selling drugs because it is a serious offence,” said Mr Mukwengi.
Online Reporter