Bongani Ndlovu
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A 48-year-old man from Hwange has been sentenced to an effective two years in prison after he was found in possession of 70 grammes of mbanje concealed in a teapot at his Dete homestead.
Stranger Sibanda of Dingani Village, Dete, appeared before Hwange Provincial Magistrate, Mr Makelo Ncube, facing charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs as defined in Section 157(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
Sibanda pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted as charged.
The court sentenced him to 30 months imprisonment, six months of which were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective 24 months behind bars.
The 70 grammes of dagga recovered from his homestead were forfeited to the State.
Prosecutor, Ms Jamesina Erica Makanza told the court that on June 11 this year, detectives received information that Sibanda was keeping dangerous drugs at his residence.
Acting on the tip-off, police officers proceeded to the accused’s homestead where they identified themselves and informed him of their intention to conduct a search.
During the search, detectives recovered 21 twists of dagga concealed in a teapot as well as a plastic packet containing prepared loose dagga.
The accused failed to produce a licence or permit authorising him to possess the drug and was immediately arrested.
The recovered substance was later weighed at Hwange Main Post Office in Sibanda’s presence and was found to weigh 70 grammes. The drugs had an estimated street value of US$25.
The conviction comes at a time when Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, prompting Government, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders and community organisations to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement measures.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that illicit drugs fuel crime, destroy livelihoods, contribute to school dropouts and place a heavy burden on families and public health systems.
Legal experts say custodial sentences such as the one imposed on Sibanda send a strong deterrent message to individuals involved in the possession, trafficking and distribution of dangerous drugs.
The sentence also reflects the courts’ commitment to supporting national efforts to curb the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse by ensuring offenders face meaningful consequences for violating drug laws.
Police have meanwhile urged members of the public to continue supplying information on drug-related activities in their communities, saying public cooperation remains critical in dismantling networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
As Zimbabwe steps up its campaign against drugs and substance abuse, authorities hope that a combination of law enforcement, community vigilance, rehabilitation programmes and public education will help stem the tide of a problem increasingly viewed as a threat to the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.
