Woman found with 17 sachets of dagga

Getrude Manyande Court Writer

A 30-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman has been convicted of unlawfully possessing dangerous drugs after police allegedly discovered 17 sachets of dagga concealed under blankets in her room.

Thokozani Sibanda of West Acre was convicted by Western Commonage magistrate Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube Sibanda, who remanded her in custody to September 2 for sentencing.

Prosecutor Ms Catherine Kuzu told the court that on August 31 at around midday, detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drugs Section received information that Sibanda was allegedly keeping dangerous drugs at her residence.

“Acting on the received information, a team of detectives proceeded to the Queen Elizabeth Adventist Primary School compound in West Acre and managed to locate the accused person at her place,” said Ms Kuzu.

The court heard that the detectives identified themselves by producing their police identity cards before informing Sibanda of the purpose of their visit.

A search was then conducted at the premises.

“A search was conducted in Sibanda’s room, leading to the recovery of 17 sachets of dagga in a blue plastic bag which was stashed under blankets,” said Ms Kuzu.

Following the discovery, Sibanda was asked to produce a permit authorising her to possess the dagga but failed to do so.

She was subsequently arrested.

The recovered dagga was taken to the Bulawayo Main Post Office, where it was weighed in

Sibanda’s presence and found to have a total mass of 15 grammes.

Sibanda remains in custody and is expected to return to court on September 2 for sentencing.