The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
A 35 –YEAR-OLD Chipinge woman was lucky to survive a long jail term after being caught with 7kgs of mbanje worth hundreds of dollars. Faith Gowo of Tonhorai Village under Chief Marange pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo last week.
The State led by Witness Nyamundaya said on August 5 at about 11am, Constables Chipere, Dube and Mhlanga were manning a roadblock at Mwacheta Turn-off along Ngundu-Tanganda Highway when a kombi, Registration Number ABQ 4893 arrived at the roadblock. It was travelling from Chechehche to Tanganda.
“Police stopped the vehicle and they smelt mbanje.
“Searches were conducted. A 20-litre bucket and a black monarch were found stashed with mbanje in the boot of the kombi.
“The kombi conductor, Jealous Musikavanhu identified the accused as the owner of the luggage.
“The mbanje was recovered and weighed at Chibuwe Post office on August 6. It weighed 7320g,”said Mr Nyamundaya.
Asked why she resorted to peddling mbanje, Gowo said she was a widow and wanted to fend for her children.
“Your Worship, my husband died and it is economic hardships that led me to sell mbanje. I have a big family to look after and that is the reason I opted for this line of business,” she said.
In sentencing her, Mr Gwatidzo warned Gowo against selling mbanje.
“You should find another business than mbanje selling. The court is usually lenient to first female offenders,” said Mr Gwatidzo
Gowo was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment wholly suspended on condition that she will not commit a similar offence in the five years.
