adminWhinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
TWO people were arrested last Wednesday in Tsholotsho for cultivating more than 100 plants of dagga at their homesteads. Manina Nkomo, 69, and Khulekani Ndlovu, 40, of Khekhethe village under chief Gampu were arrested after 126 plants measuring about two metres in height were recovered in their gardens.
Last Friday, 14 people from the same village were arrested following the recovery of more than 300 mbanje plants as tall as 1,5 metres. The police raided the village following a tip-off and initial arrests were made last week.
The 14 appeared before Tsholotsho resident magistrate Victor Mpofu who remanded them in custody to October 6 for sentencing.
A Matabeleland North police team that was conducting an anti-crime awareness campaign was tipped off by members of the public that some villagers were cultivating mbanje.
Police have since continued with investigations as they suspect more villagers are involved in the cultivation of dagga in that village.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the arrest of the two.
“Two more culprits have been arrested following the other 14 who were arrested last Thursday for growing mbanje in their gardens,” said Inspector Makonese.
“We’re glad our anti-crime operation has continuously up-rooted crime in the district and we hope by its end, Tsholotsho will have a crime–free atmosphere. I continue to urge members of the public to tirelessly supply us with information which will assist the police to fight crime.”
Online Reporter