Man Jailed for Transporting 5kg of Cannabis

A Chipinge man has been jailed for three years after being caught transporting 5kg of cannabis on the Tanganda–Ngundu highway, as Zimbabwean courts tighten penalties for rural drug trafficking (image source)

A Chipinge man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of transporting 5,000 grams of cannabis, following a police roadblock search on the Tanganda–Ngundu highway. Court records and local reports indicate that 45-year-old Lovemore Jekesa was intercepted at the 65-kilometre peg while driving a Honda Fit and later convicted by Chipinge Magistrate Nixon Mangoti on charges of unlawful transport of dagga. One year of his sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour, according to Bulawayo24.

Police told the court that a search conducted on September 22 uncovered a 5,000-gram consignment of cannabis, locally called dagga, concealed within the vehicle. The prosecution argued this quantity indicated intent to distribute beyond personal use. Defence counsel, however, claimed there was no proof of distribution and sought a noncustodial sentence. The magistrate dismissed the plea, citing the large quantity seized and the need for deterrence along rural trafficking corridors.

Criminal-justice experts note that drug-related sentences in Zimbabwe vary by quantity and evidence of commercial intent. Courts often impose longer custodial terms when the scale of possession suggests distribution, particularly in regions such as Chipinge, a key route in eastern Zimbabwe linking trafficking networks to Mozambique and South Africa.

Law enforcement continues to rely heavily on roadblocks as a frontline anti-narcotics measure, especially on long-distance routes leading to border points. The National Prosecuting Authority and police have publicised several high-profile seizures and convictions this year to reinforce Zimbabwe’s zero-tolerance policy toward organised drug distribution.

The Bulawayo24 report highlights a pattern of cases involving both small-scale couriers and larger networks, with varying penalties depending on intent and circumstances. Jekesa’s conviction underscores the judiciary’s focus on deterrence, especially in areas vulnerable to trafficking movements.

Police say investigations are ongoing into the source and destination of the cannabis, suggesting possible further arrests if wider connections are confirmed. Jekesa may seek leave to appeal the verdict, though the magistrate’s detailed reasoning sets a firm basis for the conviction.