By Staff Reporter
Former Warriors and Dynamos goalkeeper Gift “Umbro” Muzadzi (49) has been dragged to court charged with planting cannabis (mbanje) in his home garden.
The former football star and coach was not asked to plead when he briefly appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda on Monday.
He was released him on ZW$50 000 bail.
Umbro, as he was affectionately known when he donned the Dembare colours back in the early years of the new millennium, is accused for contravening sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Court heard that Muzadzi was arrested after police were tipped off about the former goalie growing the illicit plant in his garden at Good Hope on May 29 this year.
Police found seven cannabis plants in his garden.
The plants ranged between 0.86 meters and 1.8 meters in height.
Prosecutors say his wife Mendy Mhene, when confronted, told police the plants belonged to Muzadzi who was interviewed before admitting to the offence.
Muzadzi faces imprisonment of up to two years if found guilty.
Zimbabwe’s unrewarding sports and arts industry has seen some celebrities turn to other self-help projects to supplement their incomes.
The taking of drugs to numb stress, coupled with trade in illicit substances has been part of their activities.
In May this year, veteran ZPC Kariba star Winston Mhango was arrested and charged for dealing in mbanje, codeine and other illegal drugs.
