By Desire Tshuma
Harare – A 34-year-old Hatcliffe woman has been jailed for possession of 8.675kgs of dagga following a conviction in the Harare Magistrates’ Court. According to an NPAZ , Easther Beans was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, with 2 years suspended for 5 years. She will serve an effective 3 years.
Court records show police acted on a tip-off on 13 April 2026 that the offender was dealing drugs from her home in Hatcliffe, Harare. Officers surveilled the area and saw her getting off a bus with a satchel. A search found 3 cobs of dagga in her possession. After questioning, Beans led police to her house where they uncovered 10 large sachets of dagga hidden in a kitchen pot and additional plastic packages in her bedroom. She was arrested on the spot.
The bust comes as law enforcement agencies intensify a crackdown on drug dealers who have infiltrated cities and townships, selling dangerous substances linked to violent crimes and other criminal activities. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said the case highlights that threat. “The proliferation of dangerous drugs poses a serious threat to the fabric of our society,” the NPAZ stated. “The NPAZ warns all people involved in the illegal drug trade that they will face the full wrath of the law.”
Hatcliffe Legislator Hon. Agency Gumbo and Ward Councillor Elvis Ruzane commended police for the operation. “We welcome this decisive action by our law enforcement agents. Drugs are destroying our children and fueling violence in our communities,” Hon. Gumbo said. Councillor Ruzane added, “This arrest shows that criminals have nowhere to hide in Hatcliffe. We will continue working with police to root out drug dealers.”
Local residents also welcomed the arrest. Several Hatcliffe community members said the removal of drug dealers from the area would help reduce robberies, domestic violence, and other crimes they have linked to substance abuse.