Growing mbanje lands village head in trouble

Talent Simbi
GROWING mbanje for alleged spiritual appeasements landed a Nyanga village head in trouble after police found 24 plants of the drug in his garden.The 29-year-old traditional leader, Hillarious Mukwekwe from Mukwekwe Village under Chief Saunyama was hauled before Nyanga provincial magistrate, Mr Ignatio Mhene, on Monday facing charges of possessing and growing dangerous drugs.

He was remanded out of custody to December 1 after admitting to smoking mbanje, but denying growing the 24 plants.

Mukwekwe claimed that he used the mbanje to appease spirits during traditional rituals.

According to State records, police received a tip-off from villagers

that Mukwekwe was growing mbanje plants in his garden.
Detectives proceeded to the village head’s homestead and upon searching his house found small quantities of mbanje. He was later escorted to his garden where on arrival, 24 plants of mbanje were discovered.

Mukwekwe was taken to Nyamaropa Police Post and his mbanje also taken there as exhibits.

It is alleged that Mukwekwe tried to offer the arresting police details $10 and three pockets of potatoes as bribe.

Mr Zivanai Gombarume prosecuted.