Mbanje peddler jailed

Weekender Reporter
A MUTARE man was slapped with a two-month jail term for possessing 18 sachets of mbanje weighing 45 grammes. Innocent Chitauro (26) was arraigned before Mr Langton Mukwengi who convicted him on his own plea of guilty.

It was the State’s case led by public prosecutor, Mr Fletcher Karombe that Chitauro was found in possession of mbanje at Meikles Park. The court heard that on December 14, police detectives received a tip-off that Chitauro was in possession of mbanje.

“Upon searching him, they recovered 18 sachets of the dangerous drug in his pockets. He failed to give a convincing explanation on why he was in possession of the dangerous drug,” he said.

Asked on why he committed the offence, Chitauro begged for leniency and attributed his bad behaviour to poverty.

“Your Worship I earn a living through selling mbanje.”

However, Mr Mukwengi ordered Chitauro to pay a fine of $100 or spend the next 60 days in prison.