Gary Bell faces imprisonment after losing his appeal against drug trafficking charges. The 42-year-old Bulawayo resident must serve his sentence following the High Court's rejection of his case. Bell had challenged magistrate Joseph Mabeza's July conviction through attorney Shepherd Chamunorwa. He claimed a businessman planted evidence during a personal feud. The High Court found Bell's framing allegations lacked supporting evidence.
Justices Munamato Mutevedzi and Ngoni Nduna upheld the original ruling. They determined the magistrate properly convicted Bell based on clear proof of drug possession. Police discovered cocaine and ecstasy worth over $500 at Bell's Burnside home. Officers found the drugs hidden inside a jewelry box within his bedroom wardrobe. The search also revealed weighing scales and drug-stained razor blades after detectives received February intelligence about Bell's activities.
Justices Munamato Mutevedzi and Ngoni Nduna upheld the original ruling. They determined the magistrate properly convicted Bell based on clear proof of drug possession. Police discovered cocaine and ecstasy worth over $500 at Bell's Burnside home. Officers found the drugs hidden inside a jewelry box within his bedroom wardrobe. The search also revealed weighing scales and drug-stained razor blades after detectives received February intelligence about Bell's activities.
