Mbabane – Two men arrested at the Ngwenya Border Gate for dealing in dagga told the Mbabane Magistrates Court that financial hardship pushed them into the illegal trade.
Mzwandile Innocent Gwebu, 42, from Lavundlamanti, appeared before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi facing charges under the Pharmacy Act No. 38 of 1929 for unlawful possession of 5.298kg of dagga on December 1. Representing himself, Gwebu pleaded guilty and explained that his E5 000 monthly salary as a truck driver was insufficient to support himself and his family. He said his employer did not provide lunch allowances or data for delivery updates, leaving him struggling to meet daily needs.
The magistrate sentenced Gwebu to three years in prison, with an option to pay a E3 000 fine.
In a separate case, 26-year-old Bonginkhosi Makama from Mvutjini admitted to selling dagga due to unemployment. Arrested with 8.005kg of dagga, Makama initially claimed to grow the cannabis himself but later said he purchased it in bulk and resold it, including to women from Nhlazatje who use it to make hair products. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment or a E4 000 fine.
Both cases shed light on the economic pressures driving some individuals into illicit activities, according to statements made in court.
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