Katima mulilo: Six learners from Linyanti Combined School in the Zambezi Region, aged between 17 and 21, who are allegedly linked to a marijuana syndicate at the school, were on Friday brought in for questioning at the Katima Mulilo Police Station. Two learners, including a Zambian national believed to be the main supplier, were apprehended and are expected to make their first court appearance in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate's Court on Monday on a charge of possession of cannabis.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a Namibian Police Force (NamPol) incident report confirmed that two 19-year-old learners from Linyanti Combined School, along with a 22-year-old Zambian national, are currently being held in police custody on charges of possession of cannabis. Schoolteacher Beaven Sinvula told Nampa that the incident occurred on Friday while most teachers were marking examination papers. Sinvula said the discovery was made by a hostel supervisor conducting routine rounds at the community hostel, who noticed suspicious behaviour involving a Grade 10 learner, as well as a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the suspected learners. A search led to the discovery of the substance.

'This led to the discovery of 40 grammes of marijuana, and other teachers on the school premises were alerted. Teachers then teamed up for interrogation, which led to the identification of more suspects - fellow learners believed to be potential buyers and users of marijuana,' he said. Further questioning led to the arrest of the alleged main supplier, a Zambian national.

'The community police and Chinchimane sub-police station were contacted, as well as the school principal, Mr Fabian Sisamu. They all responded promptly. The joint operation led to the discovery of 700 grammes of marijuana from the main supplier,' he said. Sinvula added that two Grade 10 learners were found to be in possession of the drugs on behalf of the supplier.

An amount exceeding N.dollars 5 000, along with K5 (five Zambian kwacha), believed to be proceeds from the sale of marijuana, was also recovered. More potential clients are believed to be learners from within the school, particularly from Grades 9 and 11.