Two Harare men jailed eight years over 154kg of mbanje

Two Harare men believed to be part of drug-peddling syndicates that smuggle marijuana drugs and prohibited cough syrups from South Africa through illegal crossing points for distribution in high-density suburbs countrywide have each been sentenced to eight years in prison by the Beitbridge Regional Magistrates’ Court.

Bernard Madaramete (30) of Waterfalls and Chemuli Chibaya (52) of Munetsi Street, Mbare, Harare, were convicted on one count of contravening a section of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] (unlawful possession of dangerous drugs for the purpose of dealing) after they were arrested transporting 154kg of mbanje in a Toyota Auris in December last year.

The hallucinogenic drugs were valued at US$15 456.80.

The pair was arrested near Bubi, about 70km north of Beitbridge Border Post, at a security checkpoint along the highway to Harare. Detectives on night patrol became suspicious after the two had parked by the roadside, reportedly to sleep.

Madaramete and Chibaya will each serve an effective four-year jail term after Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa conditionally suspended four years of the eight-year sentence for five years.

The Toyota Auris used in the commission of the offence was forfeited to the State as part of the sentence.
Prosecuting, Mr Willbrought Muleya said: “On December 7, at around 10pm, the two men were travelling to Harare when they decided to park their vehicle just before getting to the Bubi security point along the Beitbridge to Bulawayo road.

“While they were parking by the roadside, police detectives on night patrol approached them and introduced themselves before requesting to search the vehicle after noticing some suspicious luggage in the car.

“A search of the vehicle was then carried out, leading to the discovery of 12 bales loaded with 160 cobs of dagga which weighed 154,5kg with a street value of US$15,456.80.”

The two men were subsequently arrested.