By Violet Mashonga
Two bus drivers employed by Mandeep Ndomboya Logistics Bus Company were arrested early Sunday morning after detectives intercepted a cross-border bus transporting a large consignment of illegal drugs along the Harare–South Africa route.
Cletos Mutavu (43) and Luckmore Farai (43) were apprehended by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers from Karoi at the Kadoma Tollgate around 12:20am on 16 November 2025, following a tip-off about a suspected drug-laden bus.
The vehicle, a Mandeep Ndomboya Logistics bus with registration number AHG 0408, was travelling from Beitbridge when police ordered it to stop. According to authorities, two conductors fled on foot upon realising the presence of law enforcement.
The bus was escorted to Kadoma Police Station, where a search uncovered a substantial haul of illicit substances. Officers recovered 40 pockets of loose “skunk” dagga wrapped in blue, red and green selotape and packed in boxes and sacks, weighing approximately 83kg. They also found 80 bottles of 100ml Astra pain syrup concealed in black plastic bags.
Police estimate the street value of the seized drugs at US$240,000.
Mashonaland West police commended members of the public for providing information that led to the arrests and the recovery of the contraband.
“We applaud the public for supplying information that led to the recovery of the contraband and the arrest of the suspects,” said a police spokesperson. “We urge anyone with information leading to the arrest of the two fugitive conductors to come forward.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the trafficking, importation or distribution of illegal substances, stressing that drug-related crimes carry heavy penalties.
“The police will leave no stone unturned in pursuing individuals or networks involved in drug-related crimes, which destroy lives, families and communities. The law is clear, and penalties are severe,” the spokesperson said.
Authorities called for continued cooperation between communities and law-enforcement agencies to expose drug traffickers and peddlers, citing the severe social impact of drug abuse across the country.
The contraband confiscated by detectives
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