Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Chipinge have arrested a 38-year-old woman who was allegedly found carrying nearly nine kilogrammes of mbanje along the Ngundu–Tanganda Road.
Acting police spokesperson for Manicaland, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Rumbidzai Rufefe of Chishingwi Village, under Chief Marange, in Bocha.
She was arrested at Manyezu bus stop while allegedly transporting four bags containing the drugs.
He police received a tip-off from members of the public.
“On March 4, 2026 at around 0800 hours, police at ZRP Middle Sabi received a tip-off to the effect that the accused person was walking along the Ngundu–Tanganda Road carrying bags suspected to contain dangerous drugs.
“Acting on the information, police quickly mobilised and moved to intercept the suspect.
“The informant teamed up with four police officers and they proceeded to the scene where they managed to intercept the accused person at Manyezu bus stop,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
After searching the suspect’s bags, police allegedly discovered several packages containing mbanje.
“Police conducted a search and recovered four plastic bags containing loose dagga from the accused person,” he said.
“She was arrested and escorted to ZRP Middle Sabi Police Station for further management of the case,” said Ass Insp Chinyoka.
Police later took the recovered drug to Grain Marketing Board Chipangayi Depot where it was weighed.
“The recovered dagga was weighed at Chipangayi GMB and was found to be 8.6 kilogrammes,” he said.
The drugs have since been secured at the police station and will be used as exhibits in court once the matter proceeds to trial.
Ass Insp Chinyoka commended members of the public who tipped off the police.
“We applaud members of the public for providing information that assisted police in making this arrest.
“Community cooperation is critical in curbing criminal activities such as drug trafficking. We continue to warn members of the public against engaging in drug-related activities.
“The trafficking and distribution of dangerous drugs not only violate the law but also destroys lives and communities.”
He said police will continue intensifying operations targeting drug trafficking networks across the province.
