A suspected cross-border dagga trafficking operation that allegedly moved more than a tonne of cannabis from South Africa into Zimbabwe has drawn fresh attention after investigators linked another suspect to the US$1.2 million consignment intercepted in Harare.
Police allege that 50-year-old Moses Chauke played a key role in coordinating the movement of 1,094.20 kilogrammes of compressed dagga that entered Zimbabwe through an unauthorised crossing point along the Limpopo River near Beitbridge.
According to the State, the consignment crossed into Zimbabwe on June 1 before being loaded into a 30-tonne haulage truck concealed inside a metal container for transportation to Harare.
The truck, allegedly driven by Thapson Ndou, was intercepted by police at Ligi Restaurant Truck Stop in Southerton after officers acted on information received. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of the cannabis.
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Authorities later weighed the seized drugs at Zimpost Harare Main Post Office, where the consignment was recorded at 1,094.20kg. Investigators estimate its street value at approximately US$1.2 million.
Investigations subsequently led detectives to Chauke, who was arrested in Dulivhadzimu, Beitbridge, during a police operation on June 15.
The State says a mobile phone recovered during the arrest provided further leads into the alleged trafficking network. A forensic examination allegedly uncovered SMS messages, WhatsApp conversations, voice notes and call records linking Chauke to other suspects connected to the shipment.
Prosecutors allege the communications show coordination between Chauke and Everjoy Chipfiko, who was reportedly expected to receive the consignment in Harare. Chipfiko is also facing charges linked to the same case.
Investigators further allege that the phone records revealed communication with three other suspected accomplices identified as Prosper Jena, Moses Chiverengera and a woman known only as Victoria, who are still being sought by authorities.
The case remains under investigation as police continue efforts to establish the full extent of the alleged smuggling network and trace other individuals believed to have been involved in moving the consignment from the border to Harare.
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