By Panashe Divine Karidzagundi
Three Malawian men, on January 28, 2026 appeared before magistrate Charity Maphosa for continuation of trial, facing charges of dealing in dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of prescription medication after they were intercepted at a roadblock along the Beitbridge–Masvingo highway.
The accused are Leonard Windo Moloka (48), Benjamin Kwalapa (28), and Kelvin Chalos (29), all foreign nationals from Malawi.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Willbrought Muleya, the trio was arrested on 11 December 2025 at around 9am at Bubi roadblock after detectives from the CID Drugs Unit intercepted a white Tengwa Freightliner Argos haulage truck which was at a lay-bye.
Muleya allege that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of dagga weighing 24.035 kilograms, which was packed in several plastic wrappings and hidden behind the driver and passenger seats. The drugs were later weighed at Beitbridge ZIMPOST, with police estimating a street value of US$2,403.50.
The State further alleges that the accused were also found in possession of 164 bottles of 100ml Broncleer cough syrup, a prescription medication containing codeine in excess of 5mg, which they allegedly possessed without a valid prescription. The Broncleer is valued at US$820.
The accused are facing two counts: dealing in dangerous drugs (dagga) and unlawful possession of prescription preparations.
The seized drugs and medication were confiscated under a CID Drugs Notice of Seizure, and the State says it will rely on a weight certificate, proof of seizure, and an affidavit from a pharmacy technician as part of its evidence.
The matter is still before the courts, and the accused have not yet been convicted.