A 21-year-old British woman serving time at Zimbabwe's Chikurubi Prison has attracted widespread attention after her photo circulated online. Taylor Tamara Simone was convicted in August alongside another British citizen for smuggling more than 66 kilograms of cannabis through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Authorities discovered the drugs in four suitcases after the women arrived on a flight from Thailand in May.
The court sentenced both women to nine years, with three years suspended for good behavior. Social media users have called for her release and offered to raise money for legal costs. Her case resembles that of Brazilian national Karoline Silver Mafra, who went viral from the same prison in 2023, after supporters paid for her flight home following her acquittal.
The British Foreign Office confirmed it is assisting both detained nationals and maintaining contact with Zimbabwean authorities. Simone's photo emerged when socialite Mai TT visited the facility. The conviction presents a significant legal obstacle despite public sympathy.
The court sentenced both women to nine years, with three years suspended for good behavior. Social media users have called for her release and offered to raise money for legal costs. Her case resembles that of Brazilian national Karoline Silver Mafra, who went viral from the same prison in 2023, after supporters paid for her flight home following her acquittal.
The British Foreign Office confirmed it is assisting both detained nationals and maintaining contact with Zimbabwean authorities. Simone's photo emerged when socialite Mai TT visited the facility. The conviction presents a significant legal obstacle despite public sympathy.
