Rastas smoke weed to communicate with creators - court told

A Harare Rastafarian aggrieved of being arrested for smoking his favourate  mbanje has approached the Supreme Court complaining over his arrest saying he is being discriminated.

Amos Mupfudza says his arrest is against his constitutional right and is querying why mbajne is classified under dangerous drugs.

"Rastafarianism is a recogniosed religion. The Rastafarians consider a dagga a holy herb which is why they use it to communicate with their creators'."

He also says there justification as to why the country criminalizes the possession of mbanje when alcohol which has similar effects is sold legally.

Mupfudza also says as Rastas, just like Christians and Muslims should enjoy same religious rights.

He is charged with three counts.

In January, parents of a four year old dreadlocked grade zero boy Mbalenhle Dube took the headmaster of Masiyephambili junior school in Bulawayo to court after being barred from attending lessons at the school because he wears dreadlocks.

His father said the family belongs to the Rastafarian religion therefore his son should not be blocked from classes.

He won the case.