A 27-year-old Mozambican national has been sentenced to three years in prison after he was convicted of unlawful possession of dangerous drugs following the seizure of 2.7 kilogrammes of dagga in Chipinge.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) identified the convict as Talkmore Sigauke, who resides at Bakonye Village under Chief Musirizwi in Mozambique.
“The offender, who resides at Bakonye village under Chief Musirizwi in Mozambique, was arrested on the 6th of August 2026 during a routine police roadblock operation along the Ngundu-Tanganda road in Chipinge,” NPAZ said.
According to the authority, police officers manning the roadblock at the 210-kilometre peg intercepted a sky-blue Honda Fit travelling towards Tanganda.
“Police officers manning a roadblock at the 210-kilometre peg stopped a sky-blue Honda Fit, which was heading towards Tanganda,” NPAZ said.
A search of the vehicle subsequently led to the discovery of the illicit substance, which had allegedly been concealed in a satchel belonging to Sigauke.
“Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered 2.7 kilograms of dagga wrapped in a white plastic bag and stuffed inside a maroon satchel belonging to the offender,” the prosecuting authority said.
NPAZ said the vehicle’s driver confirmed that the satchel belonged to Sigauke, linking him to the drugs recovered during the search.
“The driver of the vehicle confirmed that the satchel was Sigauke’s property,” NPAZ said.
The seized dagga was subsequently weighed at the Chipangayi Grain Marketing Board, with the resulting weight certificate produced as an exhibit during the trial.
“The illicit substance was later weighed at Chipangayi Grain Marketing Board, and the weight certificate was produced as an exhibit during trial,” the authority said.
Following his conviction, the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court sentenced Sigauke to three years’ imprisonment.
However, he will serve an effective two years behind bars after the court suspended one year of the sentence on condition that he maintains good behaviour.
NPAZ said it remained committed to prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, warning of the broader consequences of drug abuse.
“The NPAZ remains resolute in combating the scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which continues to threaten the safety and well-being of our communities,” the authority said.
The case highlights continued enforcement efforts along major transport routes, where routine roadblocks are being used to intercept illicit substances and other prohibited goods.
