Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza-Herald Correspondent
MBARE-BASED musician Tinashe Gonzara, popularly known as T Gonzi, was yesterday jailed for an effective eight months and sentenced to a range of fines after being convicted of shooting a red light while driving without a licence and drug possession.
Court proceedings revealed that Gonzara, who had been arrested for violating traffic laws, was found in possession of prohibited substances, including Broncleer syrup and mbanje.
The musician faced multiple charges stemming from a traffic violation that escalated into additional drug charges.
It was found that Gonzara was involved in several offenses.
He was fined US$100 for driving without a licence and was sentenced to 10 months for shooting a red light but with two months suspended for future good behaviour, meaning he will serve an effective eight months.
He was then fined twice more over the other counts of drug possession.
Specifically, he was fined US$100 (or 30 days) for possession of mbanje, which was forfeited to the State.
He fined another US$100 (or 30 days) for the possession of Broncleer syrup, which was also forfeited.
The incident occurred on February 2 of this year, when T. Gonzi was driving his Mercedes Benz.
He was stopped by police officers for proceeding against a red traffic light at the Mupedzanhamo intersection.
When Constable Katukavarimi approached the vehicle, she informed him that he was under arrest for violating traffic laws.
Despite the officer’s instructions, Gonzara allegedly failed to comply and drove away towards Graniteside along Cripps Road in Harare.
Constable Katukavarimi was soon assisted by Constable Gutusa, and together they escorted the musician back to the ZRP Mbare traffic station for further processing.
Upon conducting a search of his vehicle, authorities discovered both mbanje and the banned Broncleer syrup, leading to further charges.
