Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-In a clear demonstration of the judiciary’s stance on drug-related crimes, a 34-year-old Rusape woman has been sentenced to an effective 18 months in prison for the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
Talent Sagwete was convicted by the Rusape Magistrates’ Court.She was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour, leaving her with 18 months of effective jail time.
The court heard that on May 20, 2025, detectives from the CID Rusape acted on a tip-off indicating that Sagwete was in possession of crystal methamphetamine at her Vengere residence.
Law enforcement officers proceeded to her home, where they conducted a search and discovered 18 sachets of the illegal substance hidden under a mattress in her bedroom.
The seized drugs, with a total weight of 0.008kg, were subsequently confirmed to be crystal methamphetamine. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs by fire.
The sentencing underscores the state’s intensified crackdown on drug and substance abuse. In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reiterated its commitment to the fight against illicit drugs, which it says continue to “destroy lives, families, and communities.”
The NPAZ urged the public, particularly the youth, to shun crystal meth and other dangerous drugs, warning that the possession, trafficking, or use of such substances will attract severe penalties.
