Harare – In a case that has drawn significant attention, M’diwa Mliswa Chanetsa, daughter of former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, has been acquitted of a charge related to drug possession.
The acquittal, delivered by Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo after a full trial, brings to a close a case that had raised eyebrows and sparked speculation.
M’diwa was arrested alongside Tawanda Chigudu, her alleged accomplice, in February 2024. Police, acting on information received, conducted a search at a house in Avonlea, Harare, where M’diwa and Chigudu were present.
During the search, a sachet of crystal meth was discovered under a sofa in the dining room. A preliminary field test confirmed the substance as crystal meth, leading to the arrest of both individuals.
However, the prosecution’s case faltered during the trial. M’diwa and Chigudu both denied the allegations, arguing that the police had failed to establish a clear link between them and the drugs. They pointed out that the house where the drugs were found was occupied by four male adults, Chigudu’s brothers, and that M’diwa was merely a visitor.
Magistrate Moyo, in her ruling, found the defence’s arguments compelling. She noted that no drugs were found in M’diwa’s handbag or in Chigudu’s room. Furthermore, the state witnesses failed to convincingly refute the defence’s claim that other individuals resided at the house where the drugs were discovered.
This acquittal marks a significant victory for the defence and raises questions about the thoroughness of the police investigation. The prosecution’s failure to establish a clear link between the accused and the drugs ultimately led to the dismissal of the case.
The case has been closely followed by the public, particularly due to the involvement of Temba Mliswa, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean politics who is also President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s cousin.
In fact, reports say that President Mnangagwa was raised by Temba Mliswa’s parents, which may suggest why it was not so difficult for Temba’s sister, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, to become the Minister of State and Zanu PF Provincial Chairperson for Mashonaland West Province.
Sabhuku Temba Mliswa, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge authority, has been a vocal critic of the government, often raising concerns about corruption and abuse of power.
M’diwa Chanetsa Mliswa’s arrest, in particular, raised eyebrows, given her father’s outspoken advocacy against drug abuse.
“Being an advocate against drug abuse and a parent again it could be a frustrating time. However I reiterate my position that drugs are bad and we have to fight them,” Temba Mliswa stated, reflecting on his daughter’s situation.
“If it requires arresting culprits then so be it as it may be one way to save them from themselves. The penalties for those who sell, even politicians, should even be stiffer as they endanger other people. Peddling drugs should be equated with attempted murder as the path of drug use is one highway to death.”
Mliswa’s stance is a testament to the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the crystal meth epidemic in Zimbabwe. The drug, known locally as “mutoriro” or “dombo,” has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly in urban areas where unemployment and poverty are rife.
“This drug will just make you get into another zone altogether; we can spend the whole night talking and enjoying ourselves. We live in a world of our own and can even forget about our daily troubles,” Solomon Sigauke, a young resident of Kuwadzana, explained, offering a glimpse into the allure of the drug.
Despite its high cost, a gram of crystal meth costing $12, equivalent to a week’s rent in a township, the drug’s addictive properties have led many to seek it out, often at the expense of their families and livelihoods.
“If I had money, I would buy it every day,” Sigauke admitted, highlighting the drug’s powerful hold on its users.
The drug trade has also become a lucrative business, with suppliers like “Blah” Bullet operating networks across Harare, peddling crystal meth alongside other illicit substances, including cannabis and prescription drugs.
“The market is growing fast,” Bullet explained. “Before it had only been youths in the affluent suburbs who could afford it, but now young people are turning to the drug in townships, where there is little else on offer.”
The consequences of this epidemic are far-reaching, with families torn apart by addiction and individuals resorting to desperate measures to feed their habit. Sigauke, for instance, was forced to sell his family’s electrical appliances to fund his addiction, ultimately leading to his estrangement from his father.
“His father does not want to see him. He almost reported Solo to the police because of his behaviour,” Marlon Muchaka, Sigauke’s friend, revealed, highlighting the devastating impact of addiction on family relationships.
