DAGGA sus’ECt triEs to outrun solDiErs

PIGG’S PEAK – It now makes sense why army, during recruitments, insist on people who can run fast.

This was put to the test around June 28, 2022, when a man found in possession of about 3.7 kilogrammes of dagga tried to outrun soldiers who had mounted a roadblock with police officers. As a result, the alleged dagga dealer, Kwanele Mncina (32) was arrested alongside others, namely Zakhele Dlamini (35), Kenneth Maluleka (29), Bathandwa Gwebu (19) and Thabiso Fakudze (25).

They were charged with violating the Pharmacy Act and appeared for trial before Pigg’s Peak Magistrate Sibonelo Dlamini yesterday. They were charged for possessing 13.3 kilogrammes of dagga while Mncina was also slapped with a further possession of 3.7 kilogrammes.

According to Constable Mancoba Vilakati, who testified against the men, the police had received a tipoff that a vehicle did not stop at a roadblock. The car, a Mazda Demio, is said to have been driven by Zakhele, the first accused.

Roadblock

It is alleged that the men proceeded after skipping a police roadblock at a place known as Msumpe. However, as they drove further near an area known as Ndlalambi along the Matsamo Buhleni Road, they noticed that soldiers and the police mounted another roadblock.

At this time, Zakhele is said to have slowed down the vehicle and made a U-turn. While doing so, one of his passengers Mncina, is said to have bolted out of the vehicle while carrying some dagga.

However, the vehicle could not move far enough as soldiers quickly arrived and ordered the men to get out of the car. Mncina, who had also tried to flee, was caught.

According to Zakhele, the dagga did not belong to him, but it was Mncina’s. He said he had given a lift to Mncina near a place known as Msahweni. He stated that he was on his way with Maluleka, Gwebu and Fakudze to see a traditional healer. He told the magistrate that Maluleka had arrived from South Africa seeking traditional medical attention as he had problems with his private parts.

Arrested

Gwebu also agrees with Zakhele’s version of events and referred to him as his uncle. He said the dagga did not belong to him.

Gwebu even asked two police officers who had testified why they had not asked who the owner of the dagga was when they arrested them. However, the police officers stated that the issue was not ownership of the dagga but possession.

The Crown Counsel, Dolly Da Silva, also told Gwebu that the issue was not ownership of the dagga but that they were found in possession of same. Gwebu said it was the first time to hear that a person could be arrested just for being found near dagga even if it did not belong to them.

He also pleaded not guilty to the charge of dagga possession, while Maluleka pleaded guilty to same.