Chronicle Editor
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
A 35-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been ordered to perform 210 hours of community service for illegal possession of drugs.
Mduduzi Mgutshini, who resides in Mpopoma, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to illegal possession of drugs by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochionga.
Mgutshini was sentenced to 12 months in prison, four of which were suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that Mgutshini perform 210 hours of community service at Western Commonage magistrate courts.
In passing the sentence, Mr Wochionga took into account of Mgutshini’s age, acknowledging the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
The magistrate, however, stressed the importance of deterrent measures to combat the rising trend of illegal drug possession, particularly dagga.
“Possession of dagga is becoming a common issue, and it is essential to send a strong message to prevent further occurrences,” he said.
“The implications of drug possession extend beyond the individual offender, potentially affecting peers in Mgutshini’s age group,” said Mr Wochionga.
The magistrate further explained that the sentence was intended to deter both Mgutshini and others from engaging in drug-related offences, reinforcing the legal consequences of such actions.
He noted that the court aimed to send a clear message that drug offences will not be tolerated in the community.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Dzimbanhete, said Mgutshini was apprehended by detectives from CID Drugs on 13 February upon receiving information to the effect he was in possession of dagga at his place of residence.
“A search was conducted in the house leading to the recovery of loose dagga weighing 842 grammes in Mgutshini’s bedroom leading to his arrest. The recovered dagga was taken to CID Drugs Bulawayo office where it was weighed at the Main Post Office and has a weight of 842 grammes,” said Mr Dzimbanhete.
The recovered dagga has a street value of US$$200.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man was ordered to pay USD$200 fine by a different magistrate after he was found in possession of illegal drugs.
Stanley Mwaka who resides in Matshobana suburb, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to illegal possession of drugs by Western Commonage magistrate Mrs Learner Khumalo.
Mwaka was sentenced to six months in prison, three of which were suspended for five years on condition that he did not commit a similar offence within that period.
The remaining three months were suspended on the condition that Mwaka pays US$200 fine or ZWG equivalent through the clerk of courts.
In passing the sentence, Mrs Khumalo took into account of Mwaka’s age, acknowledging the growing issue of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
“Possession of dagga is becoming a common issue, and it is essential to send a strong message to prevent further occurrences,” said Mrs Khumalo.
The magistrate further explained that the sentence was intended to deter Mwaka and others from engaging in drug-related offences, reinforcing the legal consequences of such actions. She noted that the court aimed to send a clear message that drug offences will not be tolerated in the community.
Prosecuting, Ms Mandrela Chisiiwa said the offence was committed on 7 January when detectives from CID Drugs Bulawayo received information to the effect that the accused person was in possession of dagga at his place of residence.
“On the same day, detectives proceeded to the mentioned place where they found Mwaka in his bedroom. A search was conducted in the house leading to the recovery of eight sachets of dagga in a wool hat leading to his arrest and recovery of dagga,” said Ms Chisiiwa.
The recovered dagga has a street value of US$ 57.
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