News / National
Mutoriro doctor denied bail
1 hr ago |
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A Gweru-based doctor, Farikai Manjeya (49), accused of smoking crystal meth, will remain in custody after a magistrate rejected his bail application.
Manjeya was arrested alongside Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29), and Tariro Pambwa (35) on 9 November following a raid at the famous doctors' cottages, where authorities reportedly found the quartet in the middle of a drug session.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), detectives acted on a tip-off about suspicious smoke and behaviour coming from Manjeya's residence. The officers allegedly seized J-pipes, a lighter, and an empty sachet during the operation.
The State argued that the alleged drug use inside a facility meant for medical professionals - dubbed a "mutoriro den" - was a serious offence with the potential to interfere with witnesses, making bail inappropriate. The magistrate concurred, ordering all four suspects to remain in custody until their next court date.
The NPAZ urged communities to remain vigilant in the fight against drug abuse.
"Our communities must work hand in hand with law enforcement to report all cases of drug use to safeguard our youth and society," the authority said.
The arrests come amid intensified efforts by the National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce to target users, suppliers, and backyard chemists across the country.
For Manjeya, a doctor once trusted with patients' care, the white coat has been replaced by a prison uniform, as he now faces a legal battle in the courts. No date has yet been set for the next hearing.
Manjeya was arrested alongside Tafara Chigoya (28), Kudakwashe Godknows Mutata (29), and Tariro Pambwa (35) on 9 November following a raid at the famous doctors' cottages, where authorities reportedly found the quartet in the middle of a drug session.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), detectives acted on a tip-off about suspicious smoke and behaviour coming from Manjeya's residence. The officers allegedly seized J-pipes, a lighter, and an empty sachet during the operation.
The State argued that the alleged drug use inside a facility meant for medical professionals - dubbed a "mutoriro den" - was a serious offence with the potential to interfere with witnesses, making bail inappropriate. The magistrate concurred, ordering all four suspects to remain in custody until their next court date.
The NPAZ urged communities to remain vigilant in the fight against drug abuse.
"Our communities must work hand in hand with law enforcement to report all cases of drug use to safeguard our youth and society," the authority said.
The arrests come amid intensified efforts by the National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce to target users, suppliers, and backyard chemists across the country.
For Manjeya, a doctor once trusted with patients' care, the white coat has been replaced by a prison uniform, as he now faces a legal battle in the courts. No date has yet been set for the next hearing.
Source - BMetro
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