Cops bust 4 drug dealers

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested four people, among them a city businessman, who are suspected to be part of a syndicate that is selling drugs to pupils and city residents. The quartet’s arrest follows that of six family members — Jane Ndlovu popularly known as MaHadebe, her husband Pholani Ndlovu, their son Vusumuzi Ndlovu as well as Marvelous Nzima, 25, Archbell Phiri and Stanley Ndapota who were allegedly employed by the couple to distribute drugs.

Last Thursday, Obert Gondo, 52, who owns a grocery shop in the city centre, was arrested together with his brother Themba Gondo, 40, and their employee Angelina Tenga while Alex Zario, 22, from Njube was arrested at his home where he was also allegedly selling dangerous drugs.

The police said Zario was found with 67 bottles of bronclear (broncho) cough syrup — also known as Ngoma — dagga and diazam tablets meant to stabilise mental patients.

Three pupils from Msiteli High School in Bulawayo almost died and were admitted to Mpilo Central hospital after taking diazam.

It is alleged they bought the pills from MaHadebe at $1 for 10.

Gondo was found with sachets of the Double Punch Spirit which he was illegally selling.

His brother Themba, police said, was arrested after he tried to block police from conducting their investigations while Tenga was apprehended as she tried to conceal the evidence.

Gondo was found in possession of 830 units of Double Punch.

The illicit brew has an alcohol content of more than 40 percent compared to normal beer that ranges between four and seven percent.

Doctors say it can corrode the liver, damage kidneys, cause impotence, damage brain cells or exacerbate dormant medical conditions.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said the quartet was arrested following a tip-off from members of the public.

Insp Simango said police would continue fishing out drug peddlers as they are hurting society.

“They’re destroying the youth who are our future. We applaud the public for identifying them and urge residents to always report such people,” said Insp Simango,

She urged members of the public to desist from taking drugs as they can be detrimental to their health.

“Drugs are very dangerous and we want to warn the youths and all residents against taking them. Drugs lead to addiction which has serious health implications,” Insp Simango said.

“Members of the public are the eyes and ears of the police. We call on them to continue providing the police with information that will assist in arresting these criminals”.