Zimdancehall artist jailed for drug possession

Zimdancehall chanter Nyasha Reginald Mano, popularly known as Ras Pompy, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being found in unlawful possession of cough syrups.

He was convicted of contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act following a full trial before Harare magistrate Mr Gamuchirai Gore.

Prosecutor Mrs Mandirasa Chigumira told the court that on July 16, 2025, around 11am, detectives from CID Drugs Harare spotted a black Honda Fit (registration number AGS 6699) stuck in traffic along Kambuzuma Road. The vehicle was already flagged in police databases as being linked to drug supplies in the capital.

When ordered to stop, Ras Pompy allegedly sped off into the Rugare suburb, leading to a police chase. His vehicle eventually crashed into a metal pole, allowing detectives to apprehend him.

A search of the car uncovered nearly 100 bottles of cough syrup with a street value of about US$396. The haul included 24x100ml Broncleer, 20x100ml Benylin, and 55x100ml Astra Pain bottles.

Ras Pompy was immediately arrested and taken to CID Drugs Harare. Both the drugs and the Honda Fit were confiscated by police.