By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
TWO Harare men have each been sentenced to an effective four years in prison after being found with 154 kilograms of dagga with a street value of US$15,456.80.
The pair was nabbed along the Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway.
Bernard Madaramete (30) and Chemuli Chibaya (52), were on February 16, 2026 convicted of the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa presided over the court while prosecution was led by Willbrought Muleya.
The court handed each accused eight years’ imprisonment, but suspended four years for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective four-year custodial sentence.
The motor vehicle used in the offence and the seized dagga were forfeited to the State.
Muleya told the court that on December 7, 2026 detectives of the Zimbabwe Republic Police intercepted a white Toyota Auris parked along the highway in the Bubi area near Beitbridge.
Both men were asp inside the locked vehicle.
A search of the car uncovered several concealed bales of dagga hidden in the rear compartment.
The drugs were packed in cobs and later counted and weighed in the presence of the accused.
Authorities from ZIMPOST recorded a total weight of 154.568 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$15,456.80.
The men failed to produce any permit or licence authorising possession of the drug and were arrested on the spot.
Police seized both the narcotics and the vehicle as evidence before charging the pair.
The court ruled their actions were unlawful, leading to their conviction and sentencing.