MANZINI – A pastor and his wife were arrested on Friday for possession of 35.4kg of dagga, valued at approximately E177 000.
Pastor Ncamiso Louis Tsabedze (37) of Dvokolwako, and his wife, Winile Dlamini (38) of Emphudle, were apprehended by police officers from Matsapha Police Station at their church, Bright Vision Ministries in Mahlabatsini, Matsapha. The couple appeared in court yesterday. The pastor pleaded guilty to the charge of contravening the Pharmacy Act, while his wife pleaded not guilty and was subsequently acquitted. In mitigation, the pastor’s lawyer argued that his client was a first-time offender and that he had pleaded guilty, showing remorse. He also highlighted the socio-economic challenges faced by the country, including the pastor’s financial difficulties and the burden of supporting 11 dependents.
The court sentenced the pastor to five years imprisonment or a fine of E10 000. Meanwhile, in Nhlangano, four individuals were arrested around Sicunusa, after they were found in possession of the habit-forming drug weighing 55.4 kilogrammes. Fuzo Tsabedze (29), Bongiwe Sifundza (36), Cinisile Mkhabela (30) and Mthokozisi Mamba (38) were apprehended on November 24, 2024, while travelling in a Toyota Yaris. The four appeared in court yesterday, 2024, charged with contravening the Pharmacy Act. Tsabedze, Sifundza and Mkhabela pleaded not guilty, while Mamba admitted guilt.A soldier, Nkosingiphile Magagula, testified that he found the dagga hidden in the car. Sifundza and Mkhabela claimed they were merely passengers who had asked for a lift, unaware of the illicit cargo.The case was adjourned to December 2, 2024. Bail was set at E3 000 per person.
