Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporters
WHAT the hell is happening to our sports and music stars who appear to be trapped in the dangerous world of drugs?
Abbas Amidu, who played for the Warriors, and Reuben Mhlanga, who starred for Dynamos in the CAF Champions League, are now in jail serving 12-year terms.
The duo was jailed for dealing in dangerous drugs.
Amidu, who played for CAPS United and Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, and Mhlanga, were sentenced on Tuesday.
The duo was convicted of dealing in dagga after they were arrested last year in a police operation.
The two are the latest high-profile footballers to find themselves in trouble in a drugs-related case.
JERRY CHIPANGURA
The footballer was jailed for 14 months for possessing 40g of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro, which he intended to sell in Harare.
Chipangura was jailed by Harare regional magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka.
On June 30 2022, at around 8pm, police were informed that Chipangura was dealing in meth in Mabvuku.
Detectives went to New Mabvuku where they found him along John Tapedza Road.
Detectives identified themselves before searching him and found 40g of meth in a small Adidas black bag that he was carrying.
The drug was in two sachets.
Field tests on the drug carried out in his presence tested positive for meth.
He has since rebuilt his career in football.
WINSTON MHANGO
The footballer was playing for ZPC Kariba when he was arrested in 2023 after being found in possession of mbanje, codeine and other illegal cough syrups.
Mhango’s arrest at 836B Fort Jameson, Mahombekombe, followed a tip-off to police from members of the public that the footballer was dealing in drugs.
“We confirm that arrest of Winston Mhango, a player with ZPC Kariba after he was found in possession of drugs and substances such as mbanje, codeine and others,” the police said.
“Police raided the player’s house in Mahombekombe and managed to recover mbanje, Benilyn and other cough syrups, among other drugs.”
TI-GONZI
Rapper Tinashe “Ti Gonzi” Gonzora was jailed for eight months last week after being convicted of shooting through a red traffic light while driving without a license.
He was also found in possession of prohibited substances including Broncleer and marijuana.
He was fined US$100 (or 30 days) for possession of mbanje, which was forfeited to the State.
He fined another US$100 (or 30 days) for the possession of Broncleer syrup, which was also forfeited.
SHINSOMAN
Zimdancehall musician Romeo “Shinsoman,” was convicted of smoking mbanje last month.
The 37-year-old, along with four other culprits, was fined US$200.
He was charged alongside Themba Sibanda (26), Shumba Tendai (43), Kennedy Simbanegavi (37), and Cosmas Muzanzi (41).
Mbare magistrate Ranga Gakanje presided over the case.
BLOT
Zimdancehall sensation Takura “Blot” Chioniso was arrested in June 2023 for suspected possession of crystal meth.
The young artist was later discharged in September of the same year.
Blot checked into the Matrix Rehabilitation Centre in Harare, courtesy of Pastor Prophet Kudakwashe Jose of Victorious Generation International Church, who covered the cost.
However, there have been reports that he is back to his old ways, hardly two months after leaving the rehabilitation centre.
RAS POMPY
Zimdancehall musician, Reginald Mano, better known as Ras Pompy, was arrested after being found in possession of 100 bottles of cough syrup, with a street value of US$396.
This included 24 x 100 ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 20 x 100 ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup, and 55 x 100 ml bottles of Astra Pain cough syrup.
Ras Pompy was released on bail pending appeal in October last year. He is now doing music and campaigns against drug abuse.
TUMELO NARE
In 2023, Harare model Tumelo Nare was sent to jail for possession of cocaine at a city hotel.
She was arrested alongside her friend, Precious Bango.
The case attracted significant media attention.
SAINTFLOEW
Rapper Saintfloew checked into a South African rehabilitation centre in 2023.
He received help from businessman Tinashe Mutarisi.
He returned a changed man, and his career took off again.
Again let’s be logical here. Why is possession a crime and using not a crime? Would it make sense to say possessing an illegal gun is criminal but using it is not? This exactly how the law plays out on drug related crimes. Rehabs are full of confirmed drug users. They are not sent to courts to answer but those found in possession are. It doesn’t make sense.