Mbabane – An 18-year-old youth, Siyandziswa Simelane, was arrested after being found in possession of 19 blocks of dagga weighing 9.5 kilograms. He was subsequently charged with contravening the Pharmacy Act.
When the matter was brought before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Simelane entered a guilty plea. He was legally represented, and in mitigation, his lawyer pleaded with the court to consider his client’s age and circumstances. The defence highlighted that Simelane was only 18 years old, a first-time offender, and still a school-going child. The lawyer further told the court that Simelane was remorseful, had admitted responsibility, and wished to amend his future.
“The accused prays for leniency and requests that part of the sentence be suspended so that he can continue with his studies and rebuild his life,” submitted the lawyer.
The court, while acknowledging the mitigation, pointed out the seriousness of drug-related offences, especially when involving young people. The magistrate noted that although Simelane had shown remorse, the court had a duty to impose a punishment that would deter others from committing similar crimes.
The court sentenced Simelane to five years’ imprisonment with an option to pay a E5,000 fine. However, part of the sentence was suspended, as E2,000 of the fine and two years of the prison term were set aside for three years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period.
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