FILABUSI — A self-confessed mbanje smoker from Winfred Farm in Filabusi stunned the court last Friday when he claimed that the drug energised him while carrying out his field chores.
Staff Reporter
However, magistrate Mzingaye Moyo convicted and fined him $50 or 60 days in jail.
The court heard that on February 28 2013 at 6am, police were patrolling along the Insiza River in the farms. When they got to Malinga’s home, they saw two mbanje plants which measured between 180cm and 210cm in height.
Police later searched him and recovered one twist of the illegal drug, leading to his arrest.
On being asked in court why he grew mbanje, he said he was smoking it and it made him strong when working in the farm.
The magistrate said cases of mbanje growing were prevalent in the district hence offenders deserved custodial terms to curb the crime.
