By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
A 52-year-old truck driver has appeared in court after being found with 691,67 kilograms of dagga at the Beitbridge Border Post.
The street value of the dagga is $69 167.
Lazarous Chenjerai, of Magwegwe North in Bulawayo appeared before Magistrate Charity Maphosa facing a charge of unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs.
Prosecutor Mercy Nyathi told the court that on April 7, 2026, at around 2:30 PM, Chenjerai was driving a haulage truck from South Africa to Harare when it was flagged for a routine inspection at the border.
The vehicle, belonging to Machete Logistics and Transport, was directed to the Sabot container Depot inspection bay where officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) conducted a physical search.
During the inspection, authorities allegedly discovered 34 bales of dagga concealed among assorted goods in the trailer.
The matter was immediately referred to the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit, leading to Chenjerai’s arrest at the scene.
The recovered consignment was later weighed at the Post Office at Beitbridge in Chenjerai’s presence, revealing a total weight of 691.67 kilograms, with an estimated street value of $69 167.
The drugs were subsequently seized under an official notice, and are expected to be presented in court as evidence, along with a certificate confirming their weight.
Chenjerai, has denied the charge.
Chenjerai was remanded in custody to April 22, 2026.