Ras Pompy in court over drug possession
Zimdancehall musician Nyasha Reginald Mano, popularly known as Ras Pompy, appeared in a Harare court last week after being arrested for allegedly possessing large quantities of restricted cough syrup.
According to court papers, the artist was reportedly found with 24 x 100ml bottles of Broncleer cough syrup, 20 x 100ml bottles of Benylin cough syrup and 55 x 100ml bottles of Astra Pain cough syrup.
He was remanded in custody by magistrate Gamuchirai Gore and was scheduled to return to court today for a bail ruling. The musician faces charges of contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, which regulates the sale and possession of certain medical substances in Zimbabwe.
The case comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with a surge in substance abuse, particularly among young people. Cough syrups containing codeine and other substances are often misused as recreational drugs, with health authorities warning of addiction and long‑term health risks.
Just last week, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa officially opened the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare, Harare, signalling a national push towards rehabilitation and support services for those battling addiction.
The facility, built through her Angel of Hope Foundation, is part of wider efforts to provide treatment and restore lives affected by substance abuse.
Ras Pompy, once celebrated for hits that dominated the Zimdancehall scene, now finds himself in the spotlight for very different reasons.
His court appearance has sparked debate on social media, with many fans expressing shock and others calling for the music industry to play a more active role in discouraging drug misuse.
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that possession of restricted medicines without proper authorisation remains a serious offence.
The outcome of Ras Pompy’s bail hearing is expected to draw significant public attention as Zimbabwe’s fight against substance abuse gathers pace.
