There was drama at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on
Thursday when a court recorder was rushed to hospital after she was suspected
of inhaling cocaine which was being examined at the request of the defence
counsel of a woman accused of possessing the dangerous drug.
The cocaine was removed from a suitcase by the
investigation officer Douglas Makoshori after the accused Veronica Matongo’s
lawyer Fredrick Gijima ordered him to test the dangerous drug in court to prove
if it was real.
But the court recorder succumbed to the smell and started
coughing continuously. She was taken out of the court and presiding magistrate
Hosiah Mujaya ordered the interpreter to give her water. An ambulance was
called and she was rushed to hospital.
However, Mashokori proceeded to test the drug and the
results were positive.
Gijima also asked the court to have a laboratory scientist
called and test the drug and the court was expected to call a scientist Sheperd
Gozho.
Matongo was allegedly found with 2,3kg of cocaine worth a
street value of $185 464.
According to the State on November 23 last year at around
10am, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics received information from an
anonymous caller that Matongo was dealing in illicit drugs and was on her way
to a lodge along Seke Road in the capital.
The State alleges detectives carried out surveillance at
the lodge and at around 2pm, Matongo arrived in a Honda Fit vehicle driven by
Stanford Tsoka.
The State alleges the detectives followed the vehicle,
which was then driven into the parking bay at the lodge and Matongo was seen
carrying a navy blue travelling bag.
Detectives then followed her into the lodge and caught her
before she entered her room.
It is alleged detectives identified themselves and
explained the purpose of their visit to her and on interviewing her, Matongo
told the detectives that she wanted to see a friend. Newsday
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