A 24-year-old National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) student has pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of psychotropic substances, namely 0.4 grammes of marijuana in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.

And the court has granted the accused, Chiza Chilanga, bail of K800 in his own recognizance with two working sureties in the sum of K5,000 also in their own recognizance, based in Lusaka and in employment.

Particulars of the offence in this matter are that Chiza Chilanga, on August 27, 2018, in Lusaka, did possess psychotropic substances namely 0.4 grammes of marijuana, a herbal product of cannabis sativa, without lawful authority.

When the matter came up for plea before Magistrate Judy Chiyaika, Wednesday, Chilanga admitted to the charge.

He said the drugs were meant for smoking.

Chilanga, however, admitted that he had no lawful authority to possess the drugs when asked by the Magistrate.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Chiyaika granted the accused bail of K800 in his own recognizance with two working sureties in the sum of K5,000, based in Lusaka, and in employment, after his lawyer made an application for bail.

“Bail has been granted in own recognizance in the sum of K800 plus two working sureties also in their own recognizance in the sum of K5,000 each. The sureties must be Lusaka residents and must be in employment,” ruled Magistrate Chiyaika.

The matter has been adjourned to September 12, 2018, for facts and sentencing.