Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A 43-year-old Chitungwiza man has been sentenced to an effective six years in prison after he was convicted of unlawfully dealing in dangerous drugs following his arrest in Beitbridge with 225kg of mbanje worth more than US$22 500.
Archwell Mutanga was convicted after a full trial at the Beitbridge Regional Magistrates’ Court, where Regional Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa sentenced him to eight years in prison, with two years conditionally suspended for five years.
The court ordered that the mbanje, valued at US$22 529.50, be forfeited to the State.
Mutanga was arrested alongside Brighton Mavusi (27) and Shakemore Mugombe (36), who were also implicated in the drug trafficking case.
Prosecuting, Ms Olivia Chamutinya told the court that on March 26 at around 2PM, the trio was travelling in a Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab when they arrived at the Bubye Valley Conservancy gate, where game scouts were conducting checks.
The vehicle was being driven by Mavusi, with Mutanga seated in the front passenger seat and Mugombe in the back.
The court heard that the trio was initially allowed entry into the conservancy after receiving a pass from a game scout at the first gate.
However, suspicion arose when one of the scouts noticed that the vehicle had no registration plates.
The scout alerted colleagues, leading to efforts to intercept and search the vehicle.
Ms Chamutinya said the scouts from the first gate pursued the vehicle and alerted officers manning the second gate to stop it.
When the vehicle was intercepted, Mutanga reportedly disembarked and attempted to negotiate with the scouts but failed.
The court heard that after realising they were being followed, Mutanga allegedly switched seats with Mavusi and attempted to drive away.
He was later cornered by the game scouts after the vehicle plunged into a small dam during the attempted escape.
A search of the Toyota Hilux resulted in the discovery of five bales containing 63 cobs of mbanje hidden in the load box.
Police were called to the scene, leading to the arrest of the trio and seizure of the 225.295kg consignment.
Authorities have continued to warn against drug trafficking, particularly the movement of mbanje through border areas, saying such offences pose a threat to public health and security.
