A MALAWIAN national, Silvia Masauto (39), was yesterday fined $100 or 30 days in prison for dealing in dangerous drugs after he was caught trying to sell mbanje to police detectives in Chitungwiza.
by PAIDAMOYO MUZULU
Magistrate Tendai Mahwe in passing the sentence said he had considered Masauso had shown contrition by pleading guilty and, therefore, a nominal fine was appropriate.
“The accused showed contrition and did not waste the court’s time. Therefore a moderate fine of $100 or 30 days in jail is appropriate. He should be immediately handed over to the Department of Immigration for immediate deportation,” Mahwe said.
It was the State’s case that police got a tip-off that Masauso was selling mbanje and they set a trap and posed as potential clients.
Police then called Masauso on his mobile phone and they arranged to meet at Chitungwiza Town Centre for the transaction.
According to agreed facts, Masauto came to the town centre in a Toyota Raum, with a satchel and immediately started to talk to the disguised officers.
The officers identified themselves and searched his bag where they found six black plastic bags stashed with mbanje and further searched the car, in which they didn’t find anything.
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The recovered mbanje weighed 0,288 kilogrammes, but its street value was not mentioned.
Meanwhile, Mahwe fined a tout, Tatenda Nzarayekuronga (22), $20 or five days in prison after he was found in possession of a twist of mbanje.
Nzarayekuronga told the court in mitigation that he used the drug for recreational purposes.
In passing sentence, Mahwe said: “So touts harass people because they smoke dagga? Pay $20 fine or spend five days in prison.”
Nzarayekuronga then pleaded with the court for time to pay as he had only 45 cents on his person. He was given until Monday next week to pay the fine.
