Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 22-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to pay a US$200 fine after he was found in possession of 18 sachets of dagga without a licence or permit.
Nixon Mapfidza of Cowdray Park suburb pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of dagga when he appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
He was ordered to pay a fine of US$200, failure to which will result in him serving a four-month prison sentence.
The fine must be paid in full by November 14.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu, told the court that the crime was committed on August 20, 2025.
She said police detectives from CID Drugs Bulawayo received information at around 5.30PM that the accused person was in possession of dangerous drugs at his place of residence.
A team of detectives acted upon the information received and proceeded to Cowdray Park, where they located the accused person at his home.
The court heard that upon arrival, the detectives identified themselves by producing their police ID cards and stated the purpose of their visit.
A search was conducted on the accused person, leading to the recovery of 18 sachets of dagga inside a bag he was carrying, said Ms Kuzu.
He was asked to produce a permit or licence allowing him to be in possession of dagga and he failed to do so, leading to his arrest, she added.
The recovered dagga was taken to Bulawayo Main Post Office for weighing in the presence of the accused person, and it weighed 63 grammes.
The value of the loose dagga is about ZWG1 890, said Ms Kuzu.
Bongani Ndlovu