Taxi driver confesses to drug trafficking

MULENGA MUSONDA writes

A 21-YEAR-OLD Taxi Driver confessed before the Choma Magistrates Court that the 50 grammes of Marijuana he was found with was for selling.

This was in a matter in which Daniel Sitali of Choma’s Mochipapa residential area is charged with trafficking in Psychotropic Substances Contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence are that are that Sitali trafficked in 50.0 grammes of Marijuan, a herbal product of Cannabis Sativa without lawful authority or medical recommendation.

The incident happened on 3 July , 2020 in Choma.

When he appeared for plea before Resident Magistrate Ethel Phiri, the accused person without coercion admitted the charge against him.

Court: Have you understood the charge read to you?

Sitali: Yes

Court: Do you admit or deny?

Sitali: I admit.

Court: Did you have a license to trade in Marijuana?

Sitali: No

Court: Did you have any lawful justification?

Sitali: No

Court: What was it for?

Sitali: It was for selling.

Court: I record a plea of guilty.

After entering a plea of guilty the Court adjourned the matter to a later date for Facts and possible sentencing.

In a similar offense a 38 years old man Salim Mwanza also pleaded guilty to trafficking in 51.1 grammes of Cannabis.

Both matters will come up on 28 July 2020 for Facts .

The accused persons were remanded in custody as the offence is non-bailable.