Woman tells court she smokes cannabis before bed to overcome challenges

"YOUR Worship, I smoke mbanje [cannabis] every evening before I retire to bed. I do this to overcome my challenges in life," says a 29-year-old woman who was convicted for possessing the drug.

Tatenda Chibate of no fixed abode was last week convicted on her own plea of guilty for possessing 5,4 grammes of mbanje when she appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura.

Chibate who has found temporary shelter near National Blood Transfusion Services offices in Mutare was arrested by Constable Munaro of Mutare Central Police Station.

Testifying in court, Cst Munaro, said: "An informant came and told me that he had seen Tatenda Chibate handing over a twist of mbanje to Thambelani Ndebele. I went to where she was and searched a handbag she was holding. I recovered 5, 4 grammes of mbanje from her."

For the offence, Chibate was fined $20.

Cst Munaro also searched Ndebele (31) and was also found in possession of mbanje weighing 1,8 grammes. The mbanje was in his pocket.

Ndebele also pleaded guilty to possessing mbanje and was also fined $20.