Zim magistrate in Botswana remands fellow Zimbo in custody over mbanje

A Zimbabwean man is fuming after he was remanded in custody by a Zimbabwean magistrate in Botswana for possession of mbanje.

Nyasha Nedziwe has a valid resident permit but prosecutors requested that he be kept in custody because he was a flight risk. Magistrate Masie Moyo agreed and remanded Nedziwe in custody to January 28.

According to the charge sheet, 29-year-old Nyasha Nedziwe was allegedly found in possession of a substance police suspect to be dagga. The police made the discovery yesterday after searching Nedziwe and found the substance hidden in the fuse box of his Toyota Corolla.

Prosecutor Keobonye Matsapa applied that Nedziwe be remanded in jail because they are not satisfied that he stays in Tonota as he has stated.

Matsapa added that even though Nedziwe has a valid resident permit, police should first satisfy themselves that he is indeed telling the truth about his place of abode before the court can grant him bail.

"We fear that he may escape back to Zimbabwe before investigations are complete. Also the substance has been taken to our laboratories for forensic analysis."