Botswana National Arrested at Plumtree Border with Dagga, Remanded to January 7

A 37-year-old Botswana national was arrested at Plumtree Border Post after being found with 35 grammes of dagga on Christmas Day (image source)

PLUMTREE — A 37-year-old Botswana national has been arrested at the Plumtree Border Post after authorities intercepted dagga during routine screening on Christmas Day, police have confirmed.

The suspect, identified as Exodus Moyo, was detained on 25 December after border officials discovered 35 grammes of dagga, packed in five sachets, inside his luggage during immigration and customs checks. He was taken into custody and later appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Joshua Nembaware, who remanded him in custody to 7 January 2026.

Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that Moyo entered Zimbabwe on the day of his arrest and was intercepted during standard screening procedures. The State alleges that the recovered substance is dagga and that the accused unlawfully attempted to bring it into the country.

The matter was postponed to allow investigators to complete forensic analysis of the substance and to finalise the prosecution docket. The State is expected to indicate its position on formal charges and bail when the accused returns to court.

Border authorities said the arrest underscores the role of routine screening and intelligence-led checks in curbing cross-border drug trafficking. Community leaders in Plumtree welcomed the arrest but urged authorities to complement enforcement with public education and stronger cross-border cooperation to address drug supply networks.

Moyo remains in custody pending his next court appearance.