A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer stationed in Mutare has been remanded in custody after he was dramatically arrested in Shurugwi alongside an accomplice for allegedly dealing in dangerous drugs.

Tinashe Maviya (33), and his co-accused, Ngonidzashe Muzarewetu of Dangamvura, Mutare, were apprehended on Sunday afternoon following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public. The pair faces charges of unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs as defined in section 156(1)(a) of the Criminal Law Code.

According to court proceedings, the duo’s undoing began with their bold advertising of the potency of their dagga at the Nash 1 mining area. It is alleged that they approached a tuck-shop and, while waiting for the owner, offered samples of the drug to a man identified as Shunye.

Prosecutor Tafadzwa Guzete outlined the case, stating,

“The accused persons went around advertising the quality of their dagga. They gave samples to a witness, which prompted the tip-off that led to their arrest. This is a clear case of unlawful dealing.”

After the tuck-shop owner arrived, Maviya allegedly displayed the dagga before the pair left the scene. Police detectives, acting on the received information, first apprehended Shunye, who was found in possession of the sample twists.

The investigation then led officers to waylay a Toyota Wish vehicle travelling towards Shurugwi town. The subsequent search revealed Maviya in possession of a substantial 2.8 kilograms of dagga, while Muzarewetu was found with 0.04 kilograms.

Magistrate Sithabile Zungula remanded the two in custody pending further investigations.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns about drug peddling and the involvement of those sworn to uphold the law.

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