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9 Chinese nationals to be deported over cocaine
21 hrs ago | 611 Views
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) has confirmed that nine Chinese nationals found in possession of cocaine are set to be deported, following public outcry over a perceived lenient court ruling.
The individuals previously avoided jail time and were instead fined US$150 by Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe, who ruled that the quantity of cocaine involved was "insignificant." The decision sparked criticism, with some accusing the government of being overly lenient towards Chinese nationals.
In a statement, the NPA said the suspects are awaiting deportation for violating Zimbabwean law.
"The NPAZ is committed to ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe, regardless of their nationality or status," the statement read.
The authority emphasized that future drug-related prosecutions would be handled more rigorously. All public prosecutors have been instructed to prefer appropriate charges and aggressively seek stiffer sentences to reflect the seriousness of such offences.
"The NPAZ is taking concrete and decisive steps to ensure future prosecutions for drug-related offences are handled with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness," the statement said.
The move is part of a broader effort by Zimbabwean authorities to combat drug abuse, which is considered a growing threat to public health and safety.
The individuals previously avoided jail time and were instead fined US$150 by Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe, who ruled that the quantity of cocaine involved was "insignificant." The decision sparked criticism, with some accusing the government of being overly lenient towards Chinese nationals.
In a statement, the NPA said the suspects are awaiting deportation for violating Zimbabwean law.
"The NPAZ is committed to ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe, regardless of their nationality or status," the statement read.
The authority emphasized that future drug-related prosecutions would be handled more rigorously. All public prosecutors have been instructed to prefer appropriate charges and aggressively seek stiffer sentences to reflect the seriousness of such offences.
"The NPAZ is taking concrete and decisive steps to ensure future prosecutions for drug-related offences are handled with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness," the statement said.
The move is part of a broader effort by Zimbabwean authorities to combat drug abuse, which is considered a growing threat to public health and safety.
Source - NewZimbabwe
