News / National
Mbanje transporter jailed 10 years
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A 32-year-old truck driver from Beitbridge, Tapson Madziyanise, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being caught transporting 78 kilograms of cannabis in a South African-registered commercial truck.
Madziyanise, an employee of Docfin Trading, pleaded guilty to contravening the Dangerous Drugs Act when he appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr. Takudzwa Gwazemba. His sentence was reduced to nine years after one year was conditionally suspended for five years.
Prosecutor Mr. Ronald Mugwagwa told the court that on December 10, at around 10:30 a.m., Madziyanise entered his employer's truck stop in Beitbridge while driving the commercial vehicle. A security guard on duty conducted a routine search of the truck and discovered three green sacks hidden in the trailer.
The guard immediately notified the police, who arrived at the scene to inspect and offload the sacks. It was confirmed that they contained cannabis weighing 78 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$78,000.
Madziyanise and his accomplice, Never Ndambakuwa, were arrested on the spot. Ndambakuwa is set to face trial separately before the same magistrate.
In handing down the sentence, Mr. Gwazemba emphasized the severity of the crime and the need to deter drug trafficking. The suspended year of imprisonment will only apply if Madziyanise avoids committing a similar offense within the next five years.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to curb drug trafficking along Zimbabwe's borders, with Beitbridge being a known hotspot for smuggling activities. Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to enhancing security measures and conducting thorough inspections at key transit points to prevent the illegal transportation of drugs and other contraband.
Madziyanise's sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for individuals caught engaging in such activities.
Madziyanise, an employee of Docfin Trading, pleaded guilty to contravening the Dangerous Drugs Act when he appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Mr. Takudzwa Gwazemba. His sentence was reduced to nine years after one year was conditionally suspended for five years.
Prosecutor Mr. Ronald Mugwagwa told the court that on December 10, at around 10:30 a.m., Madziyanise entered his employer's truck stop in Beitbridge while driving the commercial vehicle. A security guard on duty conducted a routine search of the truck and discovered three green sacks hidden in the trailer.
The guard immediately notified the police, who arrived at the scene to inspect and offload the sacks. It was confirmed that they contained cannabis weighing 78 kilograms, with an estimated street value of US$78,000.
In handing down the sentence, Mr. Gwazemba emphasized the severity of the crime and the need to deter drug trafficking. The suspended year of imprisonment will only apply if Madziyanise avoids committing a similar offense within the next five years.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to curb drug trafficking along Zimbabwe's borders, with Beitbridge being a known hotspot for smuggling activities. Law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to enhancing security measures and conducting thorough inspections at key transit points to prevent the illegal transportation of drugs and other contraband.
Madziyanise's sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for individuals caught engaging in such activities.
Source - the chronicle
