Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Online Reporter
A 23-year-old man from Gwabalanda suburb in Bulawayo found himself on the wrong side of the law after police uncovered a dagga plantation at his residence.
This led to his appearance before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga on charges of unlawful cultivation and possession of the banned substance.
The court heard that Michael Silas’ troubles began in the early hours of May 16 this year when Luveve police, acting on a tip-off, raided his house. Prosecuting, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe narrated how officers discovered a sachet of dagga in Silas’ wardrobe and a live plant atop the furniture during their search.
The drama escalated when the accused led investigators to his backyard garden, where 126 dagga plants – ranging from 30cm to 100cm in height – were found flourishing. Police uprooted the illicit crop before taking Silas into custody, as he failed to produce the required license for cultivation.
The seized contraband was weighed at Bulawayo Post Office, with the sachet tipping scales at 4 grams (worth ZIG 120) while the plants were retained as exhibits.
Magistrate Wochiwunga remanded the matter to July 10 for continuation.
