Bail Granted: Harare Trio Freed in Drug Possession Case

Three men arrested for drug possession in Mbare have been granted bail by Harare Magistrates’ Court (image source)

Harare — Three men arrested on October 17 for possession of methamphetamine and cannabis were granted bail by Harare Magistrates’ Court — a decision that has drawn both relief and concern amid rising drug-related crime in the capital’s high-density suburbs. The accused, aged 24, 27 and 32, were detained after police discovered 150 grams of crystal meth and 250 grams of dagga concealed in a backpack during a routine patrol in Mbare.

Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai granted each defendant bail at ZWL$150,000 plus two sureties, citing their fixed addresses and absence of prior convictions as mitigating factors. “I find that the risk of absconding is low and that remand pending trial may adversely affect their families,” she ruled, ordering weekly reporting to CID Drugs and a ban on contacting co-accused individuals. Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu opposed bail, painting the defendants as potential flight risks and citing community safety. “Crystal meth possession is serious. We urge this court to consider the broader threat to public health and security,” Jambawu argued. Despite these warnings, the magistrate emphasized judicial discretion in low-risk cases.

The trio’s release has ignited debate among stakeholders. Local resident and community leader Ellen Chisango welcomed the bail decision but urged swift trial proceedings. “Our youths are vulnerable to addiction. Bail should not mean leniency,” she said, calling for rehabilitative support programs alongside prosecution. Drug policy analyst Dr. Emmanuel Ndlovu of the African Centre for Crime Research warned that bail decisions without rehabilitation conditions could perpetuate recidivism. “Bail should be tied to mandatory counseling and community service—otherwise, arrests become a revolving door,” he said. Ndlovu advocates for integrated diversion mechanisms to address both supply and demand sides of the drug trade.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi defended the operation as part of intensified efforts by the Criminal Investigations Department’s Drugs and Narcotics Unit. “We are cracking down on syndicates, not petty users,” Nyathi stated. “Our focus is intercepting middle-men who funnel drugs into communities.” A recent Zimbabwe Republic Police report indicates a 25 percent rise in synthetic drug arrests between 2024 and 2025, with Mbare, Glen View and Mabvuku identified as hotspots. Community policing initiatives, including anonymous tip lines and joint patrols with neighborhood watch groups, have been launched to bolster enforcement.

Meanwhile, human rights attorney Florence Chikore cautioned that bail must not undermine due process. “Affordable and fair bail conditions protect defendants’ rights while preserving the integrity of criminal proceedings,” she explained. The trio’s trial is set to commence on November 5. Observers will watch closely to see whether the court imposes strict conditions and whether the defendants participate in court-mandated rehabilitation. As Harare grapples with drug proliferation, the balance between enforcement, public safety and human rights remains a delicate legal and social challenge.