Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
TWO Bulawayo men learnt the hard way that smoking dagga in public without a licence is not part of happy hour.The pair, who decided to light up at Pumula North Beer Garden, now have a criminal record, and a US$105 fine each to smoke over.
Nqobile Mpofu (28) of Pumula North and Thembinkosi Sibanda (21) of Pumula South pleaded guilty to unlawful smoking of dagga when they appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Jeconia Prince Ncube.
The two claimed they were just “relaxing,” but the magistrate was not amused. He ordered them to pay US$105 each or spend 30 days in prison if they fail
Prosecutor Cathrine Kuzu told the court that police officers were patrolling the beer garden on 20 October around 10.30 PM when they caught the duo puffing away like reggae stars. “The officers approached and asked for their dagga licence,” she said, “but they failed to produce one.”
The police confiscated the stub and escorted the pair to CID Drugs and Narcotics for further questioning.
B-Metro Verdict: The chill session went up in flames, the stub went to evidence, and the boys learnt that in Bulawayo, even a puff can get you cuffed!
Londile Moyo