Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Police have named 25 drug offenders who have been convicted and sentenced in separate cases as the nationwide crackdown on illicit substances gathers momentum.
The offenders were arrested in different parts of the country and subsequently appeared before the courts, where they received varying prison terms for offences involving dangerous drugs, dagga and unregistered medicines.
Some of the offenders were handed lengthy jail terms, with two receiving five-year sentences for unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs.
The latest disclosure comes as police intensify efforts to dismantle networks involved in the supply and distribution of illicit substances, including crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as mutoriro, mbanje and other dangerous drugs.
In a statement, Criminal Investigation Department deputy spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Merylin Muriro said the police were naming the convicted offenders as part of efforts to expose those involved in drug-related crimes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police releases the names of accused persons who were arrested, convicted and sentenced on drug and substance abuse-related cases,” she said.
“The police names and shames 25 drug peddlers who were arraigned before the courts and sentenced to varying prison terms.”
Among those receiving the longest sentences were Easter Beans, 29, of Hatcliffe, Harare, who was jailed for five years for unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs, and Tinozivaishe Zimbeva, 29, of Chiredzi, who was also sentenced to five years for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
Audrey Masaidi, 33, of Retreat Farm, Waterfalls, was sentenced to 18 months for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs, while Joseph Njaravani, 23, of Glendale, received 18 months for unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs.
Sasha Maposa, 35, of Ushewokunze, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment with labour for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines, while Somandla Liberty, 19, of Bindura, was jailed for 24 months for unlawful possession of dagga.
Lilian Mupandenyama, 26, also from Bindura, received a 36-month prison sentence for unlawful possession of dagga.
Other offenders convicted of possession of dangerous drugs included Tinotenda Mubaiwa, 27, of Braeside; Thulani Khumalo, 28, of New Marimba; Mavis Nyamagodo, 38, of Seke, Chitungwiza; Angel Kazanda, 38, of Mkoba, Gweru; Bongani Chinyoka, 26, of Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge; Doubt Machokoto, 40, of Gokwe; Clinton Zhou, 27, of Spitzkop North, Gwanda; and Cecilia Nduna, 21, of Chivi.
They received prison sentences ranging from four to 12 months.
Those convicted of possessing unregistered medicines included Tatenda Famba, 27, of Chitungwiza, who was sentenced to 10 months; Mtumba Mangala, 18, of Avenues, Harare, who received 11 months; and Hamilton Chikwati, 43, of Gweru, who was jailed for 14 months.
Soka Msinthem, 33, of Malawi, was sentenced to 15 months for unlawful possession of unregistered medicines.
In the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces, Shelter Tshuma, 25, of Inyathi; Buhlebenkosi Hlabangana, 20, of Inyathi; and Patience Prisca Moyo, 23, of Inyathi, were each sentenced to 10 months for unlawful possession of dagga.
Cecelia Nduna, 20, of Masvingo, was sentenced to six months for unlawful possession of dagga, while Anderson Chitabura, 28, of Shamva, received 12 months for the same offence.
Yonela Ndlela, 35, of Cape Town, South Africa, received a four-month sentence for contravening the Immigration Act.
The police have been stepping up operations against drug abuse and trafficking as authorities seek to disrupt the supply chains feeding Zimbabwe’s growing illicit drug market.
