Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A 23-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been sentenced to one month in prison after he was found in possession of 12 sachets of dagga.
Tatenda Taputai from New Lobengula suburb was convicted by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga for unlawful possession of dagga. He was sentenced to four months, with three months suspended for three years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The prosecutor Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete told the court that the offence occurred on 10 April around midday, when detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics Unit in Bulawayo were conducting patrols.
The detectives noticed a group of youths loitering outside Taputai’s home and upon closer surveillance, they observed what appeared to be a drug exchange.
“When officers approached the house, the accused, who was carrying a small plastic bag, fled into the house, leaving the gate open,” said Mr Dzimbanhete.
The youths dispersed and detectives pursued and apprehended Taputai inside the sitting room. During the search, he dropped the plastic bag, which was then recovered by one of the officers.
Inside the bag were 12 sachets of dagga, weighing 35 grammes and with an estimated street value of US$12.
Taputai was taken to Luveve Police Station and the recovered dagga.
