adminwith a market value of US$4 000, which was hidden in a wardrobe and 121 plants measuring between 60 and 170 cm that the couple was cultivating along Mwewe River in one of their gardens.
Acting police spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Sergeant Loveness Mangena, confirmed the incident, yesterday saying investigations were underway.
Mangena said Harrison and Christina Ngwenya were arrested following a tip off.
The two face charges of contravening a section of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Sgt Mangena said the couple would soon appear in court and were assisting police with investigations.
“Apparently, our detectives for the Gwanda Law and Order Section got a tip off to the effect that the couple were growing and selling mbanje in the area,” she said.
“Five detectives teamed up and swooped on the suspects’ homestead in Tshoboyi area under Chief Mathe.
“Upon arrival, the detectives conducted a search of the homestead leading to the discovery of the dagga that was hidden in the pair’s wardrobe.
“Following further interrogations, the suspects admitted to growing the illicit drugs in one of their gardens.
“They then led the detectives to their garden along Mwewe River.”
Sgt Mangena said police were concerned with the increase in people growing marijuana. She said the police were ready to deal with such culprits.
“As police we want to strongly warn other criminals involved in similar activities that we are out in full force and their days are numbered,” she said.
Early this year, six people including a village head from the Makhakavhule area of Beitbridge, were arrested for turning the banks of Umzingwane River into a mbanje plantation.
The suspects are still on trial at the Beitbridge magistrates’ court.
Recently, a 42-year-old notorious mbanje peddler in Dulibadzimu township of Beitbridge was jailed for three years after she was found by police detectives selling 1 190 grams of the weed at her house.
Online Reporter