Isitshwala and mbanje served at Gwanda prison

A daring 21 year old Gwanda lady who exhibited rare qualities of undying love for her jailed hubby by smuggling five twists of dagga (mbanje) for him into prison has been spared the agony of jail life but ordered to perform community service.

Chiedza Ndlovu admitted to charges of illegally possessing dagga when she appeared before Gwanda magistrate Sheila Nazombe.

Ndlovu was initially slapped with a four month imprisonment term which was wholly suspended on condition she works without pay for 140 hours at the Gwanda magistrates courts.

In mitigation Ndlovu pleaded for a non-custodial sentence indicating she has to take care of the couples one-year child.

The magistrate warned Ndlovu against her behavior saying it was tantamount to applying for a place in prison.

She said her husband is expected to come out of prison a rehabilitated man and serving him with dagga won't help the situation.

The court was told that on the 19th of this month Ndlovu proceeded to Gwanda prison with lunch for his jailed husband Bien Mlilo who is serving an effective four months imprisonment term for theft of gold ore.

Upon arrival at prison Ndlovu was ordered to taste the food as per procedure. One prison officer then took the lunch-tin's lid and cut isitshwala into slices and discovered five twists of mbanje stuffed inside.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Ndlovu"s arrest.

Ndlovu indicated his husband had asked her to bring the dagga for him.