Danisa Masuku, Court Reporter
A 28-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man accused of dealing in drugs has appeared in court after allegedly attempting to flee from police, leading to the recovery of 650 grams of dagga and unregistered medicines worth more than ZiG31 000.
Mbongeni Sibanda of Cowdray Park suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Annah Muzondiwa, facing two counts of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and unregistered medicines.
He was remanded in custody to 26 October. The court heard that police recovered 113 sachets of dagga weighing 650 grams, with a street value of ZiG19 500 and unregistered medicines valued at ZiG12 390.
Prosecuting, Mr Samuel Mpofu told the court that on 22 October at around 7.30pm, police officers from Bulawayo Central Police Station received a tip-off that Sibanda was allegedly dealing in drugs at the corner of Connaught Avenue and Robert Mugabe Street in the city.
“Acting on the information, police proceeded to the scene and found the accused seated inside his car, a Toyota Corolla. Upon spotting the police officers, he sped off and was caught following a chase,” said Mr Mpofu.
The court heard that officers searched the vehicle after intercepting Sibanda and allegedly recovered 113 sachets of dagga, 44 bottles of Benylin cough syrup and 15 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup.
They also recovered empty bottles and boxes of Benylin, Broncleer and Astra Pain, as well as US$28 and R45 in cash.
Sibanda allegedly failed to produce documents authorising him to possess the drugs and medicines, leading to his arrest. The dagga was taken to the Zimpost office for weighing, where it was recorded as weighing 650 grams.
Sibanda is being represented by Mr Innocent Simbarashe Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm.
