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Trish Mukwazo
Bulawayo Bureau
A 21-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo was yesterday jailed for an effective 30 months after he was found with 1,4kg of mbanje at Entumbane Shopping Complex, with the magistrate seeing the need for penalties that would deter drug peddlers.
Mayibongwe Ncube (21) of Mabutweni suburb was arrested by police during their routine patrol and upon searching him, they recovered the mbanje. Ncube was convicted of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs by the Western Commonage resident magistrate Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe.
In passing sentence, Mr Chikwekwe took into consideration Ncube’s age. He, however, noted that the issue of drug and substance abuse was of concern in the country, hence the need to pass deterrent sentences.
“The nation is grappling with drug abuse, especially among the youths. The law frowns upon such immoral activities. To send a clear message to drug peddlers and would-be offenders, there is a need to impose a deterrent sentence and accordingly, the accused is sentenced to 36 months imprisonment,” ruled Mr Chikwekwe.
He however, suspended six months of the sentence for five years on the condition that Ncube does not within that period commit a similar crime.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter