Two Tanzanian Men Arrested for Drug Possession Appear in Keetmanshoop Court

KEETMANSHOOP — Two Tanzanian men, Japhari Rashiri and Juma Juma, both aged 22, made their first appearance in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday following their arrest for alleged possession of drugs worth N.dollars 1.1 million. The case was heard by magistrate Mulunda Masiku, who postponed it to 08 December 2023 to allow for further police investigation and for the accused to obtain legal representation.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Rashiri informed the court of his intention to seek legal representation through the Directorate of Legal Aid, while Juma opted to represent himself. The State’s case was presented by Marlon Adams. Both Rashiri and Juma face charges of dealing in dependence-inducing substances.

Their arrest came about through a police intelligence-led operation on the Grunau/Keetmanshoop road, where 22 kilograms of cannabis with a street value of N.dollars 1.1 million were found in a truck they were traveling in. The two men remain in custody at the Keetmanshoop Police holding cells until their next court appearance.