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Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
A senior citizen in Chipinge was last week jailed for two years for growing marijuana. Thomas Makhanyeza (67) of Hunzana Village under Chief Mapungwana appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate Mr Noah Gwatidzo facing charges of dealing in dangerous drugs.He was convicted on his own plea of guilty. Prosecutor Mr Witness Nyamundaya told the court that on December 27, 2017, Makhanyeza was arrested by police for cultivating illegal plants in his field for commercial purposes. The law enforcement agents had been tipped off by anonymous sources. Makhanyeza’s mbanje crop was cultivated between two mountains in Hunzana village.

“Detectives led by investigation officer Constable Gonisi visited the area where they picked Makhanyeza from his home,” said Mr Nyamundaya.
“Upon interrogating him, he revealed where he was growing mbanje, after which they visited the area. Whilst in the field, they found 94 plants of dagga measuring between 1,5m to 2m.”