Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor General, Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo, has openly recognized shortcomings in the judicial handling of a contentious drug case involving nine Chinese nationals who were each fined only US$150 for cocaine possession. The lenient penalties ignited widespread public outrage, especially in light of contrasting treatment where a local Zimbabwean woman received imprisonment for cannabis possession.

Addressing the issue during the inauguration of the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Courts, Justice Matanda-Moyo emphasized the urgent need for Zimbabwe’s justice system to uphold fairness, transparency, and impose sentences that effectively deter drug offenses amid a growing national drug crisis. Although the National Prosecuting Authority has decided not to appeal the controversial ruling, it confirmed that the convicted Chinese nationals will be deported. Furthermore, prosecutors have been instructed to pursue harsher penalties in future drug-related cases to restore public confidence and ensure equitable justice.

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