By Thokozani Mazibuko
A taxi man who was hired by some men to transport dagga was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of E15 000 after he was found in possession of the illegal herb, weighing 226.7 kilograms (kg), with a street value of over E300 000.
According to Njabulo Million Dlamini (32) of the Mbelebeleni area, the men who had hired him to ferry the dagga, fled after they were caught by the police, leaving him behind to bear the consequences of their crime.
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He appeared before Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi at the Manzini Magistrates Court charged with the contravention of Section 12 (1) (a) as read with Section (1) (i) of the Pharmacy Act 38/1929.
He is said to have committed the offence on April 7, 2024, in the Lushikishini area in the Manzini Region.
“The said accused person not being a holder of a valid licence or permit, did wrongfully and unlawfully possess dagga weighing 226.7kg, a poisonous or potentially harmful drug and thus contravened the said Act,” read the charge sheet in part.
He pleaded guilty to the offence when the charge was read for him.
The Crown accepted the plea without leading evidence to prove the commission of the offence.
He was, therefore, found guilty as per his plea.
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He mitigated for a lenient sentence because he had three school-going children who were dependent on him.
“I am a taxi driver, I was hired by some guys to transport the dagga and they left me when we got caught,” he further mitigated.
Dlamini was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of paying a fine of E15 000.
