Malawi Rastas defend use of ‘weed’: 14 to answer charges for possession of ‘sacred commodity’

Malawi Police has said 12  rastafarians will appear in court soon to answer charges of cultivation and possession of cannabis sativa without a licence and misconduct at a police station but they have  argued that ‘weed’  is considered to be an aid to worship, a medicine and a source of income for their sect.

According to Police the suspects are Ras Mishack Banda, 52, as the leader of the group, Yohane Boniface, 25; Daniel Zulu, 21; Simeon Mwale,27; Zambika Masoadyera, 27; Langizo Siliya, 24; Chadaza Phiri, 23; Patrick Mhango, 23; Gelesomo Chemili,35; Kabungwe Mwale,35; Meshack John, 24; Jonathan Sakale, 22; John Biliati, 20; and Mathews Sitolo, 20.

They were arrested for misconduct at Guillime Police Unit in Mchinji district  following the arrest of their fellow two  Rastafarians for cultivating Indian hemp in their gardens, according to Mchinji Police Station spokesperson Lubrino Kaitano.

The Rastafarians in Mchinji  mobilised themselves in an attempt to rescue their friends from the police unit and  caused commotion  by, among other things, removing the police flag, claiming they  use and sell cannabis as part of their religious beliefs and culture.

They argued at the police unit that use of marijuana should be  recognised as part of Rastafarian culture and religion.

Rastafarians said they have a right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Cannabis is  regarded as a “sacred commodity” and “sacrament incense” with authority for its use derived from the Bible, according to the Rastafarian community.

The Rastafarians regard Chamba as a herb originally grown in the Garden of Eden for the use of mankind for religious, culinary and medicinal purposes.