BINGA — A 49-year-old man from the Lusulu area who was arrested for possession of 1,2kg of mbanje on Thursday told a magistrates’ court that he was dealing in the drug to raise money for his children’s school fees.
Johannes Tshuma pleaded guilty to possession of mbanje when he appeared before Binga resident magistrate Stephen Ndlovu.
Ndlovu convicted Tshuma and sentenced him to 24 months in jail.
Eight months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining 16 months were suspended on condition he performs 560 hours of community service at Kawindi Primary School in the district.
It was the State case that on July 15 this year, at about 3pm, police constables Viniar Nyoni and Methew Mwembe were on patrol in the Gwangwaliba area in Lusulu where they met Tshuma carrying a sack.
They stopped him demanding to see the contents and Tshuma tried to flee, but was caught after a brief chase. The police officers conducted a search and discovered the dagga, leading to his arrest.
