Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A Gweru doctor accused of puffing mutoriro inside the famed doctors’ cottages will spend more nights behind bars after a magistrate slammed the door shut on his bail bid.
Farikai Manjeya (49) was denied bail together with his alleged smoking partners Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29) and Tariro Pambwa (35). The quartet was arrested on 9 November after detectives raided the cottages and allegedly found them in the middle of a crystal meth session.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the raid followed a tip off about strange smoke and suspicious behaviour coming from the doctor’s residence.
“When the detectives arrived, they found the accused persons smoking crystal meth using J-pipes and cigarette lighters,” the NPAZ said. “They were immediately arrested and the pipes, a lighter and an empty sachet were seized.”
The court heard that the alleged drug session took place inside a cottage meant for medical professionals, turning the facility into what prosecutors described as a “mutoriro den”. The State argued that the seriousness of the offence and the potential interference with witnesses made bail inappropriate.
The magistrate agreed, ruling that all four remain in custody until their next court date.
The NPAZ used the arrest to urge communities to step up vigilance in the fight against drug abuse.
“Our communities must work hand in hand with law enforcement to report all cases of drug use to safeguard our youth and society,” said the authority.
The case comes as authorities intensify their crackdown under the National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce, which has vowed to hunt down users, suppliers and backyard chemists across the country.
For Manjeya, the white coat is now a distant memory as he stares at a cold cell instead of a consultation room. The doctor who once treated patients is now battling to treat his own legal headache, and with bail denied, the mutoriro mess has only just begun. The NPAZ did not provide a date for the next court appearance.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi