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Chinese nationals fined only US$150 for cocaine in the Banana republic
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Nine Chinese nationals arrested in connection with a drug bust in Newlands, Harare, were each fined US$150 by the Harare Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, with the alternative of a six-month prison sentence, prompting criticism from prominent Zimbabweans.
The men were apprehended on 2 September 2025 following a police raid at 60 Knightsbridge Road, Newlands, after a tip-off about all-night parties. During the operation, police found the suspects taking turns to sniff cocaine off a wooden tray, using a golden playing card to cut the powder. Additional drugs, including benzodiazepam and methamphetamine, were also recovered, with the total estimated value exceeding US$1,060.
The accused were identified as Huang Zhen (39), Yu Hefe (35), Dong Yunmel (27), Yang Wanwan (29), Wu Yuejun (46), Yang Qin (29), Fang Yue (36), Sun Jie (36), Yao Wenming (40), and Li Zhongju (31). Huang Zhen, believed to be the ringleader, remains in custody after being denied bail, while the others were released after paying fines.
Harare Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe convicted the nine for possessing dangerous drugs but described the quantity of cocaine recovered as "insignificant," ruling that a harsher sentence would be improper.
The light penalties have drawn criticism from various quarters. Former ZBC presenter and former drug addict Oscar Pambuka expressed disbelief, saying: "So you are telling me that the Chinese who were found with cocaine were fined 150 dollars only. What happened to the statutory instrument of 15 years? If these guys were in China, all of them were going to die. 150 dollars ma funnies and I am not happy at all."
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also voiced his shock, questioning the fairness of the justice system. "How is this possible that foreigners, indeed anyone, are convicted of illegal possession of cocaine and only sentenced to a $150 fine? Is there anything credible left in our justice system? The same system allows people like an innocent man [Job Sikhala] to rot in prison for over 500 days for exercising his constitutional rights of freedom of expression? Something is terribly wrong in #Zimbabwe," he said.
The case has reignited debate over Zimbabwe's drug penalties and whether current laws are sufficient to deter substance abuse.
The men were apprehended on 2 September 2025 following a police raid at 60 Knightsbridge Road, Newlands, after a tip-off about all-night parties. During the operation, police found the suspects taking turns to sniff cocaine off a wooden tray, using a golden playing card to cut the powder. Additional drugs, including benzodiazepam and methamphetamine, were also recovered, with the total estimated value exceeding US$1,060.
The accused were identified as Huang Zhen (39), Yu Hefe (35), Dong Yunmel (27), Yang Wanwan (29), Wu Yuejun (46), Yang Qin (29), Fang Yue (36), Sun Jie (36), Yao Wenming (40), and Li Zhongju (31). Huang Zhen, believed to be the ringleader, remains in custody after being denied bail, while the others were released after paying fines.
The light penalties have drawn criticism from various quarters. Former ZBC presenter and former drug addict Oscar Pambuka expressed disbelief, saying: "So you are telling me that the Chinese who were found with cocaine were fined 150 dollars only. What happened to the statutory instrument of 15 years? If these guys were in China, all of them were going to die. 150 dollars ma funnies and I am not happy at all."
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart also voiced his shock, questioning the fairness of the justice system. "How is this possible that foreigners, indeed anyone, are convicted of illegal possession of cocaine and only sentenced to a $150 fine? Is there anything credible left in our justice system? The same system allows people like an innocent man [Job Sikhala] to rot in prison for over 500 days for exercising his constitutional rights of freedom of expression? Something is terribly wrong in #Zimbabwe," he said.
The case has reignited debate over Zimbabwe's drug penalties and whether current laws are sufficient to deter substance abuse.
Source - pindula
