Mutare Bureau

A Mozambican man has been jailed for three years after he was convicted of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs at the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court.

Talkmore Sigauke (27), of Bakonye village under Chief Musirizwi in Mozambique, will, however, serve an effective two years behind bars after the court suspended one year on condition of good behaviour.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Sigauke was arrested on August 6 during a routine police roadblock operation along the Ngundu-Tanganda Road in Chipinge.

“Police officers manning the roadblock at the 210-kilometre peg stopped a sky-blue Honda Fit which was travelling towards Tanganda.

“The officers searched the vehicle and discovered 2.7 kilogrammes of dagga wrapped in a white plastic bag and concealed inside a maroon satchel belonging to Sigauke.

“The driver of the vehicle confirmed to police that the satchel belonged to Sigauke,” reads the statement.

The illicit substance was subsequently taken to Chipangayi Grain Marketing Board, where it was weighed.

The weight certificate was produced in court as an exhibit during the trial, providing evidence of the quantity of dagga recovered from the accused’s satchel.

Following the evidence presented before the court, Sigauke was convicted of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

The court suspended one year of the sentence on condition of good behaviour, leaving him with an effective two-year prison term.

The case comes as authorities continue efforts to curb the movement and possession of illicit drugs, particularly along major roads and routes linking communities in border areas.

The NPAZ said it remained resolute in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which continue to threaten the safety and well-being of communities.