Chronicle Editor
Trish Mukwazo, trishmukwazo515gmail.com
A 21-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man was sentenced to three years in prison for possession of 1,4 kgs of dagga.
Mayibongwe Ncube of Mabutweni suburb was arrested by police who searched him at Entumbane Shopping Complex during a routine patrol.
Ncube was convicted of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs as defined in section 157(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act by Western Commonage resident magistrate, Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe.
In passing sentence, Mr Chikwekwe took into consideration Ncube’s age. He, however, noted that the issue of drug and substance abuse is an issue of concern in the country, hence the need to pass deterrent sentences.
“The nation is grappling with drug abuse, especially among the youths. The law frowns upon such immoral activities. To send a clear message to drug peddlers and would-be offenders, there is a need to impose a deterrent sentence and accordingly, the accused is sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment,” ruled Mr Chikwekwe.
He, however, suspended six months of the sentence for five years on the condition that Ncube does not commit a similar crime during that period.
Prosecutor, Mr Milton Moyo, said on July 31 at around 3pm, police were on patrol near Entumbane Shopping Complex when they encountered Ncube. They became suspicious and searched him.
“Accused was found in possession of two sealed plastic bags containing 1,4kg of dagga. On being asked to produce a licence authorising him to deal in dagga, he failed to do so leading to his arrest and confiscation of the drugs,” he said.
President Mnangagwa recently launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 in Harare as the Government intensifies the fight against drug and substance abuse.
President Mnangagwa said the Government has employed a whole-of-society approach to decisively deal with the scourge which could undermine the country’s development goals if left unchecked.
Global trends indicate that the abuse of drugs and harmful substances results in 3,3 million deaths each year, with at least 15,3 million persons having drug use disorders.
As a result, approximately 60 percent of patients admitted to mental health institutions suffer from drug use disorders. President Mnangagwa said the youths are the productive segment of the country’s economy, hence they should be set free from the shackles of substance abuse.
Government has since committed to establishing a National Drug Agency, which will provide high-level strategic leadership, co-ordinate the implementation of the Drug and Substance Abuse Plan and promote multi-sectoral actions aligned with national priorities.
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