Zimbabwe: 29-year-old man, Nigel Kunyeya, has been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs after being found with cocaine at the State House.

HARARE – A 29-year-old man, Nigel Kunyeya, has been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs after being found with cocaine at the State House.

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi informed the court on Friday that Kunyeya, from Mabelreign, Harare, arrived at the State House in an unregistered black and white Toyota Fortuner on May 22, 2024, around 7:50 AM. He reportedly sought an audience with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss personal issues.

Kunyeya’s suspicious behavior prompted the police officers at the gate to search him and his vehicle. They discovered a sachet of cocaine and nine empty sachets with cocaine residue in the right pocket of his jacket. No other incriminating items were found in the vehicle.

Following the discovery, Kunyeya and the seized cocaine were taken to CID Drugs Harare for further investigation. A preliminary drug field test conducted in Kunyeya’s presence confirmed the substance as cocaine, weighing approximately 0.42 grams with a street value of ZiG520.

In court, Magistrate Dennis Mangosi questioned Kunyeya about his intentions. Kunyeya claimed he was there to book an appointment on behalf of another person and denied any intention to see the President. He also asserted that the car was not his.

Kunyeya is scheduled to return to court on May 27.