Mthulisi Nxumalo

A 26-year-old man from Gweru has been sentenced to an effective eight months in prison for the unlawful possession of dagga. Sipholicious Moyo was convicted by the Gweru Magistrates’ Court after police discovered two plastic sachets containing the drug in his room at his home in Woodlands Phase 2.

Moyo’s arrest took place on September 25, 2026, when police acted on information suggesting he was in possession of dagga. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reported that police received the information around 12:30 PM and investigated at Moyo’s residence.

Upon arrival, the officers searched his room and found the two plastic sachets of dagga. Moyo could not provide a valid license or permit to possess the substance, leading to his prosecution for unlawful possession.

The court later took the seized dagga to ZIMPOST Gweru for weighing, where it weighed 0.066 kilograms, equivalent to 66 grams. Following his conviction, the court sentenced Moyo to 12 months in prison, with four months suspended for five years on the condition that he does not commit a similar offense during that period. This leaves him with an effective eight months to serve.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the recovered dagga to the State for destruction. This case occurs amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial authorities to curb drug-related offenses. Authorities have repeatedly called on the public to help identify and report suspected drug possession, dealing, and other activities linked to the illegal drug trade.

In a statement issued on October 20, the NPAZ emphasized its continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related offenses and ensure that those suspected of such crimes are brought to justice. Drug-related offenses remain a significant concern for authorities in Zimbabwe, especially as the country strives to reduce the availability and misuse of illicit substances.

The government and law enforcement agencies have urged communities, families, schools, and other institutions to actively participate in preventing drug abuse, identifying suspected drug activity, and directing individuals in need of assistance to appropriate support services.

In cases involving suspected unlawful possession of controlled substances, the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the drugs, the evidence presented in court, and the applicable law all contribute to the prosecution’s outcome.

The NPAZ’s latest update did not indicate that Moyo had been convicted of drug dealing or supplying the substance to others; he was charged solely with unlawful possession of dagga.

The authority reiterated its commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to bring offenders before the courts while promoting the message “Combating Crime and Corruption” along with the hashtags #SayNoToDrugs and #JusticeInAction in its public communications.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected drug-related activities to the relevant authorities as part of broader efforts to address drug abuse and illegal drug activities in communities.