My neighbours goat needs attention, SA convict

Johannesburg – An Mpumalanga mother of three, convicted for possession of dagga, asked to be released from jail so she could attend to her neighbour’s injured pregnant goat.

“I just got a message that my 7-year-old child has beaten up my neighbour’s pregnant goat. I ask the court to release me to attend to the matter,” Ndlovu told Nelspruit Magistrate Christa du Plessis.

Nompumelelo Ndlovu, 40, was arrested by Nelspruit police after she was found travelling in a taxi in possession of 31kg of dagga with a street value of R11 935, in Alkmaar on 9 June.

She pleaded guilty to the charge, adding that all she wanted was to support her three children.

Ndlovu said she knew being in possession of dagga was illegal, but being a widow only relying on social grant money made it difficult for her to raise her children.

Prosecutor Oupa Ndlovu said the accused used money meant to support her children to buy the dagga.

“Although there is no evidence that she was selling dagga, she made a confession herself that she was going to sell it. The accused promotes it to users and makes them continue using it,” he said. Du Plessis said the court was satisfied with the guilty plea.

“You are, therefore, found guilty as charged,” Du Plessis said.

Ndlovu would remain in custody until her sentencing on 23 June.