Police Officer Jailed for Unlawful Possession of Dagga

A Mutare-based police officer has been jailed for three years after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi (image source)

A police officer based in Mutare has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga, following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi.

Sergeant Maviya, who was stationed at Dangamvura Police Station, appeared before magistrate Patricia Gwetsai alongside Ngonidzashe Muzarawetu (22) of 306 Area 7, Dangamvura. The two were arrested on 14 September 2025 after police received information that dagga was being sold at Nash 1 mining area.

According to court proceedings, Sergeant Maviya was found in possession of 2,8 kilogrammes of dagga, while Muzarawetu was found with 0,04 kilogrammes. A third individual, Enock Shunye, who allegedly bought dagga from the pair at the mining site, was also arrested in connection with the case.

The court heard that Maviya and Muzarawetu attempted to flee when police moved in, but detectives later tracked them to Batanai Shop in the Musana area, where they were arrested as they disembarked from a vehicle.

Both accused were charged and convicted. Sergeant Maviya was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Details of the sentence imposed on Muzarawetu were not immediately available at the time of reporting. The case underscores that laws relating to the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs apply equally to civilians and members of the security services.