Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
FIVE men accused of unlawfully possessing and transporting a large consignment of dagga appeared before the Western Commonage Magistrates’ Court in Bulawayo on Monday, with the matter being postponed pending the completion of a forensic analysis.
The accused, Gordon Nkowu (58), Nkosiyabo Moyo (57), Shepherd Nkomo (43), Beven Sibanda (40) and Isaiah Moyo (31), are facing charges of unlawful possession and transportation of dagga.
Prosecutors allege the five were intercepted along the Bulawayo–Solusi Road while travelling in a vehicle towing a trailer carrying 360 kilogrammes of loose dagga with an estimated street value of ZiG10.8 million.
The court heard that the consignment was allegedly smuggled into Zimbabwe from South Africa through Botswana.
During proceedings, the State informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and that a forensic report confirming the nature of the seized substance has not yet been finalised.
The magistrate remanded the matter to June 10 for the continuation of proceedings and presentation of the forensic findings.
The accused remain in custody pending the determination of their bail application and further court processes.
