Police arrested eight suspects in connection with the unlawful possession of dagga, crystal meth, and unregistered medicines in Harare and Beitbridge between March 2 and March 4, 2025.
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Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, identifying the suspects as Mphakamiseni Dhlamini (41), Ishmael Chikara (35), Linda Jimu (26), Priviledge Muchenje (also known as Ndanatsei Muchenje, 39), Sylia Tanyanyiwa (41), Simbarashe Maenzanise (41), Siphelile Mashamba (33), and Alice Shatirwa (29).
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Nyathi added that the arrests led to the recovery of 151 kilogrammes of dagga, 260 bottles of 100 Broncleer Syrup, and a quantity of crystal meth yet to be determined. The bulk of the dagga was recovered at Beitbridge Border Post.
Nyathi issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in drug trafficking and peddling, saying the law would be enforced without fear or favour.

Pindula News

Eight people were arrested for having drugs in Harare and Beitbridge. They had dagga, crystal meth, and unregistered medicines. The police found 151 kilograms of dagga and 260 bottles of Broncleer Syrup. The suspects are facing consequences for their actions, with the police warning others involved in drug trafficking. The law will be enforced on anyone who breaks it.

Eight Arrested In Drug Bust Across Harare And Beitbridge

In Gokwe, Midlands Province, a village head reportedly mobilised villagers to prevent police officers from arresting his wife and two other individuals who were illegally cultivating mbanje (dagga/marijuana).
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/village-head-mobilises-against-cops/">The Herald</a>, the police had to resort to firing warning shots to disperse the crowd and apprehend Brian Kuruwa (36), Talkmore Muzondiwa (30), and Shylet Magigani (32) – all from Kuruwa Village under Chief Nemangwe’s jurisdiction. The trio had been illegally growing dagga along the banks of the Svisvi River.
The three accused persons have since appeared before a Gokwe magistrate, who convicted them of illegal marijuana cultivation and possession.
Kuruwa was sentenced to a total of four years imprisonment, with one year suspended on the condition of good behaviour.
Muzondiwa received a 24-month prison term, with eight months suspended, while Magigani was sentenced to three years’ incarceration.
The court was informed that during the arrest operation, Muzondiwa’s husband, Joseph Kuruwa (43), who serves as the village head, managed to flee from his home and subsequently mobilized other villagers to confront the police.
In response, the law enforcement officers were forced to fire warning shots to subdue the unruly crowd and apprehend the suspects.
Officer Commanding Midlands Police (Operations), Assistant Commissioner Martin Matambo told The Herald that police recovered 6,500 plants and 170kg of processed dagga.
He said police were alerted that some villagers were dealing in dangerous drugs and cultivating dagga in places along Svisvi River banks which are not easily accessible since it is mountainous.
Police officers went there and found Kuruwa busy watering the dagga plot. Said Asst. Comm. Matambo:
<blockquote>
He was arrested and 67 plants of dagga were uprooted from his plot. Subsequent investigations led the police to Muzondiwa’s residence where they recovered a sack of dried dagga.
</blockquote>
He said Magigani was also found at her homestead where they recovered three sacks of dagga from her bedroom hut.
It remains unclear whether the village head, Joseph Kuruwa, was arrested for his actions. However, his alleged mobilisation of villagers to interfere with the police operation is likely to result in him facing charges of obstructing the course of justice, as defined under Section 184 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Head Mobilises Villagers Against Police Officers

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intercepted a South Africa-registered vehicle carrying 48kg of cannabis and a large quantity of the controlled Benylin Cough Syrup on Wednesday, April 03, in Beitbridge.
In a statement, the ZRP said the contraband was hidden in a false compartment of the Toyota Quantum trailer. Police said:
<blockquote>
On 03/04/24, Police acted on received information and recovered 2 668 x 100 mls Benylin Cough Syrup and 48 kilogrammes of loose dagga which were hidden in a false compartment of the Toyota Quantum trailer.
</blockquote>
In another development, police officers and officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), recovered 20 kilogrammes of dagga hidden in a Toyota Quantum vehicle at the Malume parking lot, Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday.
However, one of the vehicle’s crew, Michael Mkhokheli fled from the scene leaving his passport in the car. Said the Police:
<blockquote>
On 31/03/24, Police in Beitbridge in conjunction with ZIMRA officials recovered 20 kilogrammes of dagga, with a street value of ZWL$ 20 000 000, which was hidden in a Toyota Quantum vehicle at Malume parking lot, Beitbridge Border Post. One of the vehicle’s crew, Michael Mkhokheli fled from the scene leaving his passport in the car.
</blockquote>
Drug and substance abuse is a serious problem in Zimbabwe, particularly among the youth population. Commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and non-medicinal use of controlled medicines.
Shockingly, approximately 60% of patients admitted to mental health institutions suffer from drug-related issues. Drug dealers even exploit young street children to sell and distribute drugs in Harare.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRP Intercept Large Mbanje, Cough Syrup Contraband At Beitbridge

A motorist from Chiweshe reportedly panicked and fled a police roadblock in Glendale and left his car behind with 360g of marijuana on the block.
The motorist, Vitas Chigwanda (27), was later taken to Concession magistrates courts, where he appeared before magistrate Joshua Nembaware.
<h3>What Happened?</h3>
On July 13, the police stopped Chigwanda at the 40-kilometre peg along the Glendale-Chiweshe highway. Chigwanda panicked, disembarked from the car, and fled. The police searched the vehicle and found 360g of dagga. Chigwanda returned to the scene several hours later and was subsequently arrested. He was remanded in custody until July 17.
<h3>Growing, Possession and Use of Marijuana / Dagga / Mbanje in Zimbabwe</h3>
In Zimbabwe, the production, use, and possession of marijuana are strictly regulated by the government. While the use of marijuana for medicinal and scientific purposes has been decriminalised, it is still illegal to grow, possess, or use marijuana for recreational (enjoyment/pleasure) purposes.
In 2018, the Zimbabwean government allowed for the legal production of industrial hemp, a strain of the cannabis plant that contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2020/09/19/marijuana-growing-regulations-gazetted/">Statutory Instrument 218 Agricultural Marketing Authority (Industrial Hemp) Regulations</a>, gazetted in 2018 by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Anxious Masuka, does not legalise the production or use of marijuana for recreational purposes, as the use of marijuana for non-medical purposes remains illegal in Zimbabwe.
SI 218 provides for three types of permits for growers, namely general growers’, research and breeding, and industrial hemp merchant’s permits. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Motorist Flees Leaving Car With Marijuana At A Police Roadblock

Two police officers recently descended a flight of stairs in terror at Iminyela Flats in Iminyela suburb at the home of a traditional healer after an eerie voice thundered in their ears.
The two Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers had been sent to arrest the traditional healer, Thamsanqa Mutisi (35), for allegedly cultivating marijuana in his backyard garden.
The incident occurred at the crack of dawn on 6 January 2023.
It is alleged that when the two detectives approached the witch doctor, there was a misunderstanding between the two parties.
The cops demanded that Mutisi should accompany them to the police station and he felt disrespected.
A neighbour who had been awoken by the noise told B-Metro that she witnessed the incident through a partially open door. She said:
<blockquote>
Suddenly, Ukhulu (as Mutisi is popularly known) appeared to have gone into a trance.
His ancestors spoke through him in a deep rumbling voice that scared the pants off the policemen.
He waved his rod at them and the guttural voice told them lightning would strike them dead on the spot if they continued harassing Ukhulu.
</blockquote>
The witness claimed that the police officers took to their heels and descended the stairs with haste. She said:
<blockquote>
Like deflating balloons, they repeatedly bumped into each other in random and uncoordinated movement in a desperate attempt to get to the door.
With eyes popping in fear the cops squeezed through the door and flew down the steps.
I could hear them screaming piercingly as they shot down the stairs behind me. It is a miracle they did not fall down and get badly injured.
Once outside, they streaked away in different directions, probably to regroup at the police station after getting over the shock.
</blockquote>
After a few hours, several police officers came to the traditional healer’s flat. Said another neighbour:
<blockquote>
The new squad humbled themselves and respectfully asked Ukhulu for permission to arrest him.
He forwarded their request to his ancestral spirits, who granted the request.
</blockquote>
It is further alleged that Mutisi then led the cops to three marijuana plants which were well maintained and measured 20 centimetres, 35 centimetres and 90 centimetres, respectively, in his garden.
The detectives uprooted the plants and took them to CID Drugs and Narcotics and took Mutisi to Western Commonage Police Station.
Mutisi appeared before Western Commonage Court resident magistrate shepherd Mnjanja facing a charge of planting dagga.
He pleaded guilty to the charge but said the plants belonged to his ancestors who had instructed him to grow them for healing purposes.
Mutasa, who is being represented by Tinashe Dzipe of Morris Davies and Co Law firm, was remanded out of custody to 18 January 2023 on $30 000 bail. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/bulawayo-cops-flee-ganja-farming-ancestral-spirits/">B-Metro</a>

Two Cops Flee Marijuana Farming Traditional Healer

A Bulawayo man was rushed to the hospital after a small pack of dagga/mbanje he had swallowed got stuck in his throat as police detectives closed in on him.
Prosecutors told the court that detectives received a tip-off that Shadreck Marumure (37) was selling dagga at his home in the Entumbane suburb.
The detectives descended on Marumure’s home last week on Friday at around 4 AM to conduct investigations.
Upon seeing the detectives, Marumure allegedly reached for a pack of dagga that he had placed on the chair in his bedroom and tried to swallow it.
Unfortunately, the packet got stuck in his throat and choked him, forcing him to cough persistently.
It is further alleged that the detectives got suspicious and tried to force him to spit it but he could not as it was firmly stuck in his throat.
When the detectives searched the house, they found two small packs wrapped in Marumure’s underwear while hidden under his mattress and they arrested him.
They rushed him to Mpilo Central Hospital where health staff managed to remove the pack that was stuck in his throat.
It is estimated that the recovered dagga has a street value of ZWL$247 500.
Marumure appeared for trial before Western Commonage Courts magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a charge of selling mbanje.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to Monday next week for continuation of trial. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/cornered-drug-peddler-swallows-mbanje-and-chokes/">B-Metro</a>

Cornered Drug Seller Swallows Mbanje

A police constable stationed in Headlands was arrested for allegedly selling mbanje/marijuana from his residence at a police camp.
Shingirai Enock Tapatapa (29) and his alleged accomplice, Taurai Maruwa (27) appeared before a Rusape magistrate for unlawfully possessing or using dangerous drugs.
Tapatapa and Maruwa were remanded in custody to 9 May when they appeared before Rusape magistrate, Lucy-Anne Ndiraya.
They are facing charges of contravening Section 157 of the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The matter came to light after Maruwa was arrested for assault on 28 April. Prosecutor, Tawanda Karikoga, said:
<blockquote>
The suspect was searched by the arresting police officers and he was found in possession of a small black bag containing 19 sachets of loose dagga.
During interviews, he indicated that he was given the dagga by Constable Tapatapa to sell on his behalf.
He also revealed that the cop had packed the dagga. The suspect further revealed that the police officer was also in possession of some dagga packed in a black plastic bag in his room.
</blockquote>
Karikoga said that the police officer was arrested the following day when he reported for work.
He told the court that Constable Tapatapa was summoned to the Officer-In-Charge’s office where he was informed of the allegations against him. Said Karikoga:
<blockquote>
Assistant Inspector Kasange, Sergeant Chikwature and Constable Govha escorted him to his room where a search was to be conducted.
On arrival at the doorstep, Tapatapa told the three police officers that he was missing the keys to his room.
He was searched and a sachet of dagga was found in his pair of trousers’ right pocket. The key to his room was also found in the same pocket.
A search was conducted and a black plastic bag containing loose dagga was recovered from Tapatapa’s blankets.
The recovered dagga was taken to Rusape Post Office where it weighed 920 grammes. It will be produced in court as an exhibit.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/cop-sells-dagga-from-camp/">The Manica Post</a></h4>

Police Constable Sells Mbanje From Camp

A woman from Chipinge was caught red-handed by detectives as she weeded her field which had 143 plants of marijuana (mbanje).
The suspect, Arairwai Chikunga (56) from Hanganyi Village under Chief Mutema, told the police officers that she used the drug in conducting healing sessions at her homestead.
She was set to appear in court facing charges of cultivating dagga as defined in Section 156 (10 (b) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23.
Acting Manicaland police spokesman Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, saying Chikunga was nabbed following a tip-off. He said:
<blockquote>
On January 10 detectives received information to the effect that the accused person had cultivated dagga at her homestead in Hanganyi Village.
The team proceeded to her homestead. Upon arrival, they did some surveillance until they saw the accused person weeding the marijuana field.
They approached the suspect, identified themselves and informed her about their mission.
The cops told her that she was under arrest for cultivating the plants which had an average height of 180 centimetres. The plants were uprooted and taken as exhibits.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/nanga-busted-for-cultivating-dagga/">The Manica Post</a></h4>

Traditional Healer Tells Detectives She Used Mbanje For Healing

A 49-year-old Victoria Falls woman who was found in possession of 481kg of mbanje (marijuana/dagga) with a street value of more than ZWL$48 million has been sentenced to 10 years in jail.
Patricia Ncube of Mkhosana suburb was charged with unlawful possession of dagga.
She pleaded not guilty to the charge but was convicted after full trial when she appeared before regional magistrate Collet Ncube.
The magistrate sentenced Ncube to 10 years in jail before suspending three years for five years on condition of good behaviour.
She will serve an effective seven years in prison.
Prosecutors said police raided Ncube’s after getting a tip-off that she was in possession of dagga at her house.
On the 28th day of April at around 10 AM police detectives raided Ncube’s residence and recovered 14 x 50kg bags of mbanje which was hidden in her bedroom.
The mbanje weighed 481kg with a street value of $48.1 million and it has been forfeited to the State.
There were also twists of mbanje that were found hidden in a container in the same house.
Ncube was represented by Givemore Mvhiringi of Mvhiringi and Associates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/new-victoria-falls-drug-lord-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Victoria Falls Drug Peddler Sentenced To 10 Years In Jail

A police officer stationed at ZRP Gutu was arrested last Thursday on charges of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
Constable Brian Dube (27) was caught while transporting 50kg of marijuana in a Honda Fit vehicle from Chipinge to Chiredzi.
According to a leaked police memo, on 4 August 2021 at around 0300 hours, sergeants Gwara, Mbiri, constables Runesu, Makuyana, Binde and Mawire police officers from ZRP Ndali were manning a police roadblock along the Ngundu –Tanganda road.
The police officers on duty stopped the Honda Fit which had two male occupants with Dube driving.
Runesu stopped the driver and handed over the vehicle to Gwara for searches. The memo read in part:
<blockquote>
Upon searching the accused identified himself as a police officer by producing his police identity card alleging that he is stationed at ZRP Beitbridge. After the search, Sgt Gwara permitted the driver to proceed.
Sgt Gwara became suspicious that the motor vehicle could have carried dagga after sensing a strong smell of dagga during the searching process and he assigned Cst Runesu, Cst Mawire, and Cst Binde to follow the accused person`s vehicle using a well-wisher vehicle.
</blockquote>
The police officers found Dube’s vehicle parked by the roadside about three kilometres away from the roadblock. Read the memo:
<blockquote>
As they drew closer they saw the occupants fleeing from the vehicle and the police searched the vehicle and found a 50kg sack containing loose dagga inside the vehicle.
</blockquote>
The vehicle was impounded and taken to ZRP Ndali and the matter was referred to Criminal Investigations Department Chiredzi.
The following day, the 5th of August 2021, Dube surrendered himself at CID Chiredzi in the company his lawyer Munyaradzi Vengesai of Mugiya and Muvhami law chambers.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/cop-arrested-transporting-50kg-mbanje/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Police Officer Arrested Transporting 50kg Mbanje

A 21-year-old female suspected drug peddler from Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province, ran amok and stripped naked when male police officers came to arrest her on allegations of selling marijuana (mbanje).
Mildred Muzana allegedly ran away naked shouting that police offices wanted to rape her as other police officers shot a video for evidence.
Muzana appeared before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa at the Guruve Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.
She was fined $2 500 for indecent exposure and failure to pay would earn her 15 days in prison.
Prosecuting, Albert Charewa told the court that on 8 July, police officers received a tip-off that Muzana was selling marijuana at her homestead and went to the place to conduct a search.
When Muzana realised that the police officers were close by she stripped all her clothes and showed them her privates, saying “arrest me if you can!” She then ran away shouting “police want to rape me”.
Several moments later, Muzana went to a friend’s place and got dressed before going to the charge office to file a rape report against the police officers.
She was however arrested and locked up as the officers said they had video evidence of what she had done.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/07/female-drug-peddler-strips-naked-to-evade-arrest/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Female Drug Dealer (21) Strips Naked To Avoid Arrest

An elderly <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mutare" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mutare</a> woman was last week arrested after she was found in possession of 228kg of marijuana stashed in a room at her home.
Anna Mudauriwo (66) of house number 17 Tenderere, Sakubva, Mutare was hauled before magistrate Notebulgar Muchineripi charged with unlawfully possessing dagga. State prosecutor Nyasha Mukonyora said:
<blockquote>On November 11 at around midnight police received information concerning the accused person. Acting on that tip-off, a team of detectives was formed and it reacted to the supplied information. They proceeded to the suspect’s homestead and conducted a search.</blockquote>
When the detectives searched the house, they observed that one room was locked and the woman refused to open it, insisting that it was occupied by her tenant who had gone out.
After the detectives had forcibly opened the door to the room, they found 10 bags of dagga wrapped with black plastics leading to Mudauriwo’s arrest.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/granny-in-court-over-228kg-of-dagga/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manica Post</a></h4>

Mutare Woman Found In Possession Of 228kg Of Dagga

A Guruve farmer was nabbed after his wife exposed him for cultivating marijuana in his maize field after he assaulted her over a domestic dispute.
The battered wife informed the police that her husband was cultivating ‘mbanje’ in his field leading to a search. 24 mbanje plants were found leading to the arrest of George Chikaka (27).
Chikaka, from Tenanog farm in Guruve under chief Chipuriro, appeared in court on Monday before Guruve magistrate Artwel Sanyatwe for unlawful cultivation of dagga.
Chikaka pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to six months imprisonment. Three months were suspended on condition of good behaviour and the remainder commuted to 105 hours community service at Horseshoe Primary School.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/04/battered-wife-exposes-drug-peddling-hubby/">Newsday</a></h4>

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