The ManicaPost
Weekender Reporter
A MAKONI man was this week arrested for growing 30 plants of mbanje, which he claimed he used to enhance his sexual prowess as he has a young wife to satisfy.
Members of the Criminal Investigations Department from Rusape swooped on Mannerd Zimwanda (64) of Chirimatsita area on Monday following a tip-off from members of the public that he was growing mbanje in his tobacco field and garden.
Officer Commanding CID Rusape/Nyanga District, Superintendent Shepherd Tachiona, confirmed the arrest and said Zimwanda was expected to appear in court soon.
“We received information from members of the public that Zimwanda was growing mbanje in his field as well as in his garden and we deployed a team to investigate. Our team managed to find Zimwanda at his home. They also found mbanje plants in his tobacco field.
“He was questioned and he admitted growing the plants. He uprooted the plants which added to 30. The plants had an average height of 2,25 metres and they were loaded in our truck and will be produced in court as exhibits,” said Supt Tachiona.
The plants measured from 1,1m to 3m.
Supt Tachiona said when he was initially questioned on the reasons behind the growing of mbanje, Zimwanda cited poverty before changing the statement saying it was for his own consumption.
“He later told us that he had a young wife aged 23 and used the mbanje as an energiser to please his young wife in bed. However, we believe that he was growing the mbanje for commercial purposes considering the number of plants that were uprooted,” he said.
When The Weekender caught up with Zimwanda at Rusape Police Station, said he said he grew the mbanje for personal consumption.
“I started with a few plants and some of them germinated on their own and l left them to grow. I use the drug as an energiser. I am not into commercial selling of the drug,” he said.
Supt Tachiona urged members of the public to desist from growing mbanje as they risk being jailed.
“Only licenced growers are allowed to grow mbanje in Zimbabwe. The Government has not legalised everyone to grow mbanje and those found on the wrong side of the law will be prosecuted.
“We want to appeal to members of the public to avail information to their nearest police station on all those growing mbanje or involved in criminal activities.
“We have been recording cases where individuals are being arrested with twists of mbanje in this district and we believe that people like Zimwanda could be sources of these drugs. We will continue with our investigations and bring to book all suspects,” said Supt Tachiona.
