By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Zimbabwe National Army soldier was jailed for an effective 30 months in prison for illegally dealing in Mbanje valued at US$1 352,20.
Sikelela Ndlovu (35) appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Charity Maphosa on Wednesday.
Maphosa sentenced him to 48 months imprisonment, but conditionally suspended 18 months during which he is not expected to commit a similar offence.
Prosecutor Mercy Nyathi, told the court that Ndlovu, based at Masasa Logistics Garrison in Harare, and has served in the army for more than 10 years, was arrested after being linked to a drug trafficking incident at the Old Bridge illegal crossing point in Beitbridge.
Nyathi said, police officers on deployment intercepted some individuals carrying suitcases suspected to contain contraband.
During the encounter, Ndlovu fled from the scene but was later lured back to the Beitbridge Border Post, where he was arrested.
Investigations led to the recovery of dagga weighing 13,522 kilograms with an estimated street value of US$1 352,20.
The drugs were later produced in court as evidence.
In mitigation, the court considered that Ndlovu was a first-time offender, a family man, and the sole provider for his dependents.
However, in passing sentence, Maphosa said Ndlovu had abused a position of national trust as a member of the armed forces.
He is now serving an effective 30-month prison term.