Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Chipinge arrested two people for cultivating dagga, as authorities intensify efforts to curb drug and substance abuse by targeting the suppliers of illegal intoxicating substances.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of Maria Mawacha (48) of Chipinge after she was found with 118 plants of dagga in her maize field, in the first case.
She has since been sentenced to perform 580 hours of community service for the offence.
“On October 27 2026, around 4 pm, police officers from Cashel Valley Police Station received information to the effect that Maria Mawacha was cultivating dagga at her maize field,” he said.
“Pursuant to the supplied information, the police officers proceeded to her place of residence to investigate. Upon arrival, the police officers identified themselves and informed her of their mission. They requested to search for dangerous drugs in her field and in the house.
“The accused person freely and voluntarily led police officers to her maize field where 118 plants of dagga with a height ranging from 70 centimetres to two metres were discovered.
“She was asked to produce a permit allowing her to cultivate dagga, but she had none, leading to her arrest.”
On October 29, 2026, he said Mawacha appeared before Chimanimani Magistrate Mr Regis Mawarire for plea recording and she pleaded guilty to the offence.
“Mr Mawarire convicted her and sentenced her to 36 months’ imprisonment before suspending 18 months on condition of good behaviour,” he said.
“The remaining 18 months were wholly suspended on condition Mawacha pof erform 580 hours community service at Nyambeya Primary School.”
In a related matter, a Chipinge villager who was cultivating dagga at his homestead was arrested after he was found with 239 plants of dagga.
“Three police officers were travelling to Negwani Village in Chief Mutema to arrest a suspect, and as they were passing through Nduku Village at the homestead of Gremma Mutema, they discovered dagga plants in her garden, which was very close to her homestead,” he said.
“They interviewed her and she implicated her husband, Simon Sithole, who was away from home.
“There were 213 dagga plants measuring approximately 1.4 meters in height. Police officers proceeded to Negwani where they also met Sithole in a garden, and they discovered 26 dagga plants.
“The two accused persons were arrested and appeared before Chipinge Magistrate Miss Tariro Hove.
“The state withdrew charges against Mutema after plea, while Sithole pleaded guilty to the offence and is awaiting sentence.”
