Johnson Progress

Nyasha Reginald Mano, popularly known as Ras Pompy, a prominent Zimdancehall musician, has been sentenced to six months in prison for violating the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.

The Harare Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Mr. Gamuchirai Gore, found Ras Pompy guilty of unlawfully possessing cough syrups, commonly abused as narcotics.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 16, 2025, when detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics unit spotted Ras Pompy’s black Honda Fit stuck in traffic along Kambuzuma Road.

The vehicle was already flagged in police databases as being linked to drug supplies in the capital.

When signaled to stop, Ras Pompy allegedly fled into the Rugare suburb, prompting detectives to give chase.

The pursuit ended when his vehicle collided with 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 approximately US$396.

The haul included 24x100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 20x100ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup, and 55x100ml bottles of Astra Pain cough syrup.

Prosecutor Mrs. Mandirasa Chigumira presented evidence that Ras Pompy was in unlawful possession of the cough syrups, leading to his conviction.

The sentence has sparked a massive outcry on social media, with many questioning the disparity in punishment compared to a recent case involving Chinese nationals found in possession of cocaine, who received a US$150 fine.

Some social media users have accused the judicial system of being biased and corrupt.

“Which is worse: cocaine or bronco?” one user asked, highlighting the perceived inconsistency in sentencing.

Ras Pompy’s conviction marks a significant moment in ongoing efforts to curb the illegal distribution of medicinal substances in Harare.

The court’s ruling serves as a warning to those who engage in illicit activities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law.

As the music industry continues to grapple with substance abuse issues, Ras Pompy’s case serves as a cautionary tale.