In a surprising turn of events, a Harare man and his daughter found themselves facing charges in court after being accused of cultivating cannabis, commonly known as mbanje, in their Avondale backyard without a license. Thony Octavo Cesane (70), Paola Thompson (45), and Mike Chakanetsa (35) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, where they were charged with the unlawful cultivation of cannabis. They have been remanded out of custody until January 31.
According to the prosecution led by Mr Thomas Chanakira, the case unfolded on Wednesday morning when detectives from CID Drugs Harare Crack Team received information suggesting that the trio, who were initially engaged in the business of herbal complementary medicines, had expanded their operations to include the growing of cannabis at their Avondale residence.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the detectives arrived at the address around 3pm the same day. Upon entering the premises, they discovered Cesane and Thompson in the yard. The two individuals then led the detectives to the backyard of the house, where they found Chakanetsa, their general worker, diligently uprooting and harvesting cannabis plants using a small orange cutler, all under the instruction of the father and daughter.
The confiscated cannabis plants were estimated to number around 45, each standing at an average height of two meters. It was revealed in court that the accused had been nurturing these plants with care.
As part of the investigation, the seized cannabis plants were sent to the forensic science laboratory for examination, pending the issuance of a forensic report.
Cultivating cannabis without a licence is strictly prohibited in Zimbabwe, as stipulated by the country’s laws. The authorities have been cracking down on illegal drug-related activities to maintain law and order and ensure public safety. Offenders who engage in such activities face legal consequences.
