By Rex Mphisa
A police detective has made sensational claims that every Zimbabwean can get a twist of dagga from the half a ton Mbanje haul by the anti-smuggling task force in Beitbridge.
Detective John Gobvu made this submission in the Beitbridge Regional Court during the bail application hearing for Isaac Marume and Blessing Matsikarima allegedly found with 526 kilograms of dagga.
“That amount of dagga was too much and can provide a twist for every Zimbabwean,” he said.
He was opposing the granting of bail.
Gobvu who dodged a number of questions under cross examination by defence lawyer Julius Maphosa of Musina and Associates also said if released on bail Marume and Matsikarima will continue to deal in drugs.
Asked by Maphosa if the pair had previous convictions for dealing with drugs Gobvu said he had not found any.
“How then can you say they will continue dealing with drugs as if you have see their previous convictions for dealing in the same? Why are you saying that being experienced as you are,” asked Maphosa.
He also the legality of the term “public outcry” as a way of denying his clients bail.
Maphosa said according to Gobvu, Marume and Matsikarima were of fixed abode and had been cooperative all the time they had been with police making them good candidates for bail.
“If people who have committed heinous crimes like murder are granted bail what more of these two,” said Maphosa.
Gobvu who continued to refer to Maphosa as “my learned friend” said the other reason Marume and Matsikarima should be denied bail because armed robbers first smoked dagga before committing their crimes.
In her address prosecutor Mercy Nyathi said she was opposed to bail because of the large quantity she said attracted a prison term.
She also said the State was convinced the dagga was for commercial purposes.
Maphosa said he will submit a written address of why he believes his clients should be granted bail.