Nigel Kunyeya, a 29-year-old resident of Mabelreign, Harare, has been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs after being found with cocaine at the State House.

On May 22, 2024, at approximately 7:50 AM, Kunyeya arrived at the State House driving an unregistered black and white Toyota Fortuner and claimed he needed to discuss personal issues with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. However, his suspicious behaviour led police officers at the gate to search him and his vehicle.

During the search, officers discovered a sachet of cocaine and nine empty sachets with cocaine residue in the right pocket of Kunyeya’s jacket. No other items of interest were found in the vehicle. Kunyeya and the seized cocaine were taken to CID Drugs Harare for further investigation.

A preliminary drug field test conducted in Kunyeya’s presence confirmed the substance was cocaine. The cocaine, weighing approximately 0.42 grams with a street value of Z$520, was also weighed in his presence.

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi detailed the events leading to Kunyeya’s arrest in court. Kunyeya denied any intention to see the President, claiming he was only there to book an appointment on behalf of someone else.

He also stated that the car did not belong to him and is scheduled to return to court on May 27 for further proceedings.