By Desire Tshuma
Bulawayo – Former Highlanders, FC Platinum and Caps United midfielder Joel Ngodzo was on Tuesday convicted in a Bulawayo court after being arrested in a police raid targeting drug abuse in Makokoba.
The 36-year-old, who was once named Soccer Star of the Year, pleaded guilty to unlawfully smoking dagga. Magistrate Themba Chimiso fined him US$200 or 30 days in prison.
Ngodzo was one of 11 people arrested after CID Drugs and Narcotics detectives allegedly spotted them smoking dagga inside a barber shop along 7th Street. All 11 entered guilty pleas to the same charge.
Delivering judgment, magistrate Chimiso said Zimbabwe was in a “war against drugs” and that the courts would impose strict penalties to deter the vice.
Following the ruling, the convicts were taken to holding cells as family members and friends gathered outside to raise money for their fines.
Ngodzo enjoyed a lengthy career in the Premier Soccer League with some of the country’s biggest clubs. His conviction comes as police intensify operations against drug abuse in Bulawayo and other urban areas.
Authorities say the crackdown will continue amid growing concern over substance abuse among youth.