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Court Reporter
A CHITUNGWIZA woman lost US$1 300 in an illegal bronclear couph syrup deal after the woman she had sent to purchase the prohibited substance was arrested in South Africa. Debra Nyamasuka (34) of Unit N Chitungwiza had told the court that she gave US$1 300 to her aunt’s friend, Netsai Mazonde (33), of Mbare.
The money was meant for the purchase of 10 boxes of Elangeni soap in South Africa.
Mazonde told the court that she is a cross border trader and a drug peddler but accused Nyamasuka of lying.
She was appearing before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo.
She told the court in her defence that Nyamasuka had given her the money to purchase the syrup in neighbouring South Africa.
“The complainant gave me the money so that I could purchase for her 10 boxes of bronclear cough syrup. After purchasing 29 boxes of the substance with 19 being mine and while at Park Station, police came and asked us to open our luggage,” she said.
All hell broke loose when she was found in possession of the syrup leading to her arrest and confiscation of the entire luggage.
Mazonde admitted to theft of trust property charges.
Mr Murendo, sentenced her to a wholly suspended three months jail term after she offered to refund Nyamasuka.
In sentencing her, Mr Murendo noted that undoubtedly, it was a deal that turned nasty.
“Ordinarily, in cases of illegal activities, the courts are reluctant to award compensation in such cases,” said Mr Murendo.
Prosecutor Ms Rumbidzai Mushonga told the court that in July, Nyamasuka gave Mazonde US$1 300 to buy her 10 boxes of Elangeni green soap in South Africa.
Mazonde returned home on July 21 and never informed Nyamasuka.
Six days later, Mazonde told Nyamasuka that she had already sold the consignment.
Nyamasuka reported the matter to the police after Mazonde failed to account for it.
Online Reporter