Suspect begs to be remanded in custody.

A man allegedly nabbed with more than 50kg of Marijuana at Mbare Musika last week surprised the court when he opted to be remanded in custody while await­ing trial. Taurai Zuze (37) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Don Ndirowei on charges of possessing marijuana.

Prosecutor Mr Innocent Chin­ garande opposed bail arguing that Zuze had committed a very serious offence and was likely to abscond if granted bail.

To the court's surprise, Zuze told the court he was in agreement with Mr Chingarande's submissions.

"I live very far so it would be con­venient if I was remanded in custody," he said.

Asked by Mr Ndirowei if he knew the conditions in remand prison Zuze said he did not know as he has never been there.

In his ruling, Mr Ndirowei said Zuze was not a proper candidate for bail as he was facing a serious offence.

He said Zuze had also voluntarily told the court that he would not be able to attend court given the area he stays. Zuze resides in Burasha Village,  Honde Valley, which is under chief Mutasa.

The State says on February 28 this year detectives from CID drugs sec­tion received information that Zuze had boarded a Nhanhanga bus from Honde Valley in possession of mbanje.

Acting on the information, the State says the detectives proceeded to Mbare Musika bus terminus where they waited for the bus.

At around 1pm, it is alleged, the bus arrived and Zuze disembarked with two bags and one travelling bag.

They approached him, identified themselves, searched him and recov­ered the marijuana.

Zuze was arrested and the seized marijuana was weighed in his presence and recorded a total of 51,4kg with a street value of US$5 114.