MWANZA: TWO people have appeared before the magistrate court here accused of drug-related offences, including cultivating two acres of marijuana and being found in possession of a large quantity of the illegal substance.
The accused are Mr Madumuka Zilihona (60) and Mr Mawazo Manisha (50), farmers and residents of Busekeseke Village in Sengerema District, who were arraigned at the Sengerema District Court on June 23, 2026.
Before Senior Resident Magistrate Ms Magreth Maruma, Mr Madumuka was read two charges including possession of harmfl drugs and cultivation of illegal plants. The prosecution alleged that on May 23, 2026 in Kalebezo Ward, Sengerema District, the accused was found in possession of two acres of marijuana.
Magistrate Ms Maruma said the court did not have jurisdiction to hear the charge of economic sabotage related to the discovery of drugs, so the accused was not required to answer anything about the charge. He also explained that the offense is not bailable according to the law and therefore he will remain in custody until the investigation is completed.
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In another case, Mr Mawazo Manisha was charged with possession of 13.50 kilograms of marijuana, allegedly committed on May 23, 2026 in the Nyerere Road Subdistrict, Busekeseke Village in Sengerema District.
The accused denied the charge. The court stated that the offence is bailable and imposed conditions to have two sureties who will sign a bond of 4m/- each, as well as to submit recognizable identification documents and letters of identification from Local Governments.
However, the accused failed to fulfill these conditions on that day and was therefore remanded in custody pending further legal action.
Both cases have been postponed until July 2, 2026, with both accused remaining in custody until that date.