The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
A 47-YEAR-OLD Rusape man who allegedly grew 294 mbanje plants in his field was arrested and charged with cultivating dangerous drugs.
Wonder Chinyanga of Plot 11, Lawrencedale 16C, Headlands who was represented by Mr Munyaradzi Manyengavana of Chiwanza and Partners was not asked to plead when he appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi on Tuesday.
Mrs Hanzi granted Chinyanga $100 bail and adjourned the matter to 31 March for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Tafara Chawatama, told the court that Chinyanga contravened Section 156(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23 which criminalises the growing of mbanje.
“On March 3, police in Headlands received a tip-off to the effect that Chinyanga was growing plants of mbanje in his field.
On the same day, police proceeded to Plot 11, Lawrencedale 16C, Headlands and arrested the accused person.
“The accused person admitted growing mbanje in his field and led police to where the plants were.
Chinyanga together with the police uprooted the mbanje plants.
“A total of 294 plants measuring approximately two meters in height were uprooted and can be produced in court as exhibits,” said Mr Chawatama.
