Musicians4ED chair jailed for dagga possession

The chairperson of Zanu-PF affiliate Musicians for ED has been sentenced to an effective 10 months in prison after being convicted on drug and traffic-related offences.

Tinashe Gonzara, popularly known as Ti Gonzi, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly violating traffic laws in Harare.

According to court proceedings, Gonzara was initially stopped on February 2 after he allegedly drove through a red traffic light at Mupedzanhamo robots. Constable Katukavarimi informed him that he was under arrest for disregarding the traffic signal.

The court heard that the officer entered his vehicle and instructed him to drive to ZRP Mbare Traffic for further management. However, Gonzara allegedly failed to comply and instead drove towards the Coca-Cola area in Graniteside along Cripps Road.

At the next set of traffic lights along Cripps Road, Constable Katukavarimi was joined by another officer, identified in court as Constable Gutusa, and they escorted him to the police station.

Upon searching his vehicle, police recovered dagga and bottles of Bron Cleer cough syrup, both classified as prohibited substances.

Gonzara faced five counts in total. He was fined US$100 for driving without a driver's licence. For driving past a red traffic light, he was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment, with two months suspended on condition of good behaviour.

On the remaining three counts relating to possession of the prohibited substances, he was fined US$100 or 30 days' imprisonment for each count.

The case has drawn attention due to Gonzara's position as chairperson of Musicians for ED, a Zanu-PF affiliate group that supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing traffic and drug laws without fear or favour.