Mafeteng, May 01 __ The Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court has sentenced an 18-year-old man, Moeketsi Mokhotla of Paballong, to five months’ imprisonment or a fine of M5,000 for illegal possession of dagga.

Evidence before the court showed that on April 26, 2026, the accused was found unlawfully in possession of dagga.
The court heard that Mokhotla was found with 34 sachets of the substance during a police patrol in Mafeteng town. The dagga was reportedly wrapped in silver plastic and discovered at his tin shack. He failed to produce a valid licence to possess the substance.

In mitigation, the accused pleaded guilty, telling the court that he had been unemployed for some time and turned to selling dagga to support himself and his sibling following the death of their parents.

Delivering judgment, Senior Resident Magistrate Nkuebe Ramabele said dagga is a dangerous substance if misused, posing a threat to families and communities, and therefore requires proper licensing for legal handling.

He further noted that many young people have dropped out of school due to substance misuse, stressing the need for punishment to discourage such behaviour and ensure adherence to the law in future.

The case was prosecuted by Public Prosecutor Michael Senatla.

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