62-year-old arrested for mbanje cultivation

Faith Mandizha

A 62-year-old man from Kuwadzana appeared at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of unlawful cultivation of dagga.

Walter Musiiwa Manduku unlawfully cultivated 13 plants of dagga with an average height of 3.25 metres.

Cops from Kuwadzana were tipped off and they interviewed the caretaker, who disclosed that the plants belonged to Manduku.

The caretaker said the dagga was planted sometime in October 2022.

Manduku was arrested last month and was remanded in custody awaiting trial.

He complained to the magistrate that he hadn’t eaten for two weeks.

“The food that I am being given is not of a good standard and doesn’t go well with my health.

“May the court give me bail because I can’t take it anymore,” said Manduku.

Magistrate Privilege Gakanje postponed the matter to March 27 while awaiting Walter’s medical records.