Couple and Accomplices Remanded in Custody for Illicit Medicine Charges

Brenda Sango and Tinashe Jamu, along with their accomplices Lungani Freedom Ndlovu and Clarence Ncube, have been remanded in custody until January 2 for a bail ruling. The group is accused of dealing in and possessing unregistered medicines valued at over $139,000. The police discovered 210 boxes of Broncleer cough syrups in the garage and additional quantities of Broncleer and Astra Pain cough syrups in a backyard room at their residence in South View Park, Harare .

The State alleges that the couple and their accomplices are part of a larger illicit drug cartel ring, citing their frequent visits to South Africa and potential financial means that could facilitate their travel and undermine the investigation and trial process. The prosecutor highlighted that all four have similar pending cases in Mbare and Harare Magistrates Courts, indicating a propensity to commit similar crimes.

The specific charges against the couple and their accomplices include dealing in and possessing unregistered medicines. If convicted, they face penalties under Zimbabwean law, which aims to protect public health and safety. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) regulates the importation and sale of medicines in the country, and unregistered medicines can pose serious health risks to unsuspecting users.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a national operation to tackle the issue of illicit drug trafficking and sales in the country. The police have been working closely with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice. In recent operations, the police have seized large quantities of illicit medicines, including Broncleer cough syrup, and arrested several suspects