TONDERAI SAHARO
MASVINGO CITY- Pauline Mudakuvaka (36), from Ruwa in Harare, was arrested on charges of unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs after police intercepted a bus she was traveling on, leading to the discovery of a staggering 65.2 kilograms of mbanje (dagga) on September 22.
Mudakuvaka appeared at Masvingo Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where she was remanded in custody awaiting a bail ruling scheduled for Wednesday.
She is represented by Advocate Knowledge Mabvure of Chihambakwe Law Chambers.
According to court proceedings, police had set up a checkpoint at Nyanda along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Highway when they stopped the bus for routine inspections.
The bus driver, however, attempted to evade authorities by partially pulling off the road and speeding away, prompting a pursuit by a Mahindra police vehicle.
The police managed to catch up with the bus along Edison Zvobgo Street in the central business district, where they commenced a search of the boot.
During this search, they discovered six green canvas bags containing 27 rolls of dagga wrapped in black plastic and sealed with sellotape.
As the search continued, Mudakuvaka allegedly attempted to flee the scene, only to be apprehended approximately 300 meters away after a brief chase.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Mudakuvaka had also stashed an additional 5.7 kilograms of mbanje in her bag she had left behind on the bus seat.
Forensic examination confirmed the total weight of the seized mbanje at 65.2 kilograms.
