Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura ,Court Reporter
TWO Bulawayo women who were caught with nearly 100 sachets of dagga were spared the agony of jail time when they were ordered to perform a combined 560 hours of community service.
Gladys Mhike (42) of Pumula North suburb and Nomathemba Sibanda (30) of Gwabalanda suburb were convicted of dealing in dangerous drugs by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Archie Wochiwunga.
Mhike was sentenced to 13 months in prison, of which five months were suspended for five years on condition she does not commit a similar offence within that period. The remaining eight months were suspended on the condition that she completes 280 hours of community service at Pumula Police Station.
Sibanda was handed a 12-month prison term, with four months suspended for five years on similar conditions. The balance of eight months was also set aside on condition she performs 280 hours of community service at Luveve Police Station.
The two are expected to begin their community service on Monday and must complete it within eight weeks.
The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Kufandikanwe, told the court that on 7 July at around 10.30 AM, police acted on a tip-off and proceeded to Mhike’s residence in Pumula North.
“Upon arrival, the officers introduced themselves and explained the purpose of their visit. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 79 sachets of dagga stashed in a blue plastic bag inside Mhike’s satchel,” said Ms Kufandikanwe.
Upon being quizzed, Mhike claimed she was selling the drugs on behalf of Sibanda, which led police to her alleged accomplice’s home in Gwabalanda.
A search of Sibanda’s bedroom resulted in the discovery of 23 sachets of dagga hidden inside a blue plastic bag under a mattress.
The total quantity of dagga recovered weighed 414 grams, with an estimated street value of ZiG3 575. Both women were arrested and the drugs were confiscated.
