98 bottles of Broncleer recovered

TWO Marange people were each fined $50 000 after being found in possession of 98 bottles of Broncleer cough syrup.

Tryphine Katsadzura (33) and Deven Berlin Munemo (38) appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Langton Carter for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs as defined in Section 157 (1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

Mr Thurstone Mubvumbi prosecuted.

Mr Mubvumbi said on August 18, Munemo and Katsadzura were arrested at Majaha Barber Shop at Mashukashuka Business Centre in Chiadzwa as they were in possession of 98 bottles of the cough syrup.

The two denied the charges but they were convicted by Mr Carter.

They were sentenced to five months imprisonment with the option of paying a fine of $50 000 each.

In denying the allegations, Munemo said he was just a Good Samaritan who got into cross fire with the law.

“I do not know Katsadzura. I met her on the day we were arrested. I saw her at Mashukashuka Shopping Centre with a satchel while carrying a crying baby. I helped her carry the satchel while we looked for yoghurt for her child. That is when we were arrested.

“I did not know the contents of the bag until our arrest. Look at where my pity has landed me,” said Munemo.

Katsadzura initially denied possession of the satchel.

“The satchel is not mine as well. A friend of mine asked me to carry it for her. I did not know what was inside the bag. I was only helping out a friend,” said Katsadzura.

However, upon further questioning, Katsadzura pleaded guilty to possessing the Broncleer syrup.

She said she sells the drug to illegal diamond panners in Chiadzwa.

The syrup was forfeited to the State.