Mbabane – A 31 year Bhekisizwe Vilakati, was also arrested for being found with a dagga stash weighing 3.5 kg while another 45-year-old Nkosiyazi Matsenjwa of Mndobandoba was also charged independently for being in illegal possession of dagga weighing 1.5 kilograms.
Both men appeared in Mbabane Magistrates Court charged with contravening section 7 as read with section 8(1) of the Opium and Habit forming Drugs act number 37of 1922.
The suspects appeared before Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati pleading guilty to the charges.
Matsenjwa admitted to not having a licence or permit. Matsenjwa confirmed in court that the dagga weight was correct and did not dispute the evidence presented by the prosecution.
In mitigation, Matsenjwa pleaded for leniency, stating that he was a first-time offender and deeply regretted his actions.
“I acknowledge that I have committed a wrong. My offence is prompted by ignorance and I plead for the court’s mercy,” he said.
Taking into account that the accused was a first offender and had shown remorse, the court sentenced him to pay a fine of E2,000, failing which he would serve two years imprisonment without an option of a suspended sentence.
Vilakati also pleaded guilty to the offence stating that he failed to provide a licence when arrested.
In mitigation, Vilakati told the court that he is carrying a heavy burden at home, his children are under his care, he is the only one providing for his family since he is unemployed this is the only means to put food on the table. Vilakati was sentenced to pay a fine of E2000 in default of payment he is to stay in prison for two years.
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