Simon Mapazu of Feversham in Triangle pleaded not guilty to the charge of contravening a section of the dangerous drugs act when he appeared before Chiredzi magistrate Constance Mutandwa.
“I cut the plants into pieces and cook them the same way I do with other vegetables,” he told the court. “In fact I regard dagga as one of my best vegetables that I cook,” he added.
The magistrate ordered that he be examined by a doctor to ascertain his state of mind. She said anyone in his right mind would surely know that dagga is a dangerous drug and therefore possessing or growing it is a criminal offence.
Prosecutors had alleged that on October 1 police received a tip off and raided Mapazu’s homestead and recovered 10 twists of dagga weighing about 10 grammes, resulting in his arrest.
The magistrate remanded him in custody so that he is examined by a psychiatrist.