Ti Gonzi Arrested: Hip Hop Star Faces Drug and Reckless Driving Charges in Mbare
Topic: Crime & Celebrity News | Person: Ti Gonzi | Date: Feb 05, 2026
Award-winning Zimbabwean rapper Ti Gonzi (Tinashe Gonzara) has been arrested by police in Mbare after a high-profile traffic stop that drew significant public attention. The 29-year-old hip-hop artist now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, driving without a license, and possession of illegal drugs, which were reportedly found inside his black Mercedes-Benz.
The incident has sparked widespread debate online, fueling discussions around celebrity conduct, drug use among musicians, and law enforcement in Zimbabwe.
The Charges
Road Traffic Act: Reckless driving & No Driver's License.
Criminal Law: Possession of Benylin (Bronco), Dagga, and unidentified sachets.
Chaos at Mupedzanhamo
The incident occurred yesterday at the busy intersection of Cripps Road and Remembrance Drive, near the famous Mupedzanhamo market.
Police officers on patrol were alerted by the erratic movements of a black Mercedes-Benz weaving through traffic. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered that the 29-year-old musician was operating the vehicle without a valid driver's license.
The situation escalated when Ti Gonzi reportedly failed to comply with initial police instructions. This defiance led to a thorough search of the vehicle, transforming a routine traffic violation into a serious criminal investigation.
Substances Recovered
A search of the Mercedes-Benz revealed illicit substances.
According to police reports, the search yielded:
- One half-bottle of Benylin: A cough syrup often abused as a recreational drug (Bronco).
- Two "Twists" of Dagga: Prepared marijuana found in the vehicle.
- Two Sachets: Containing an unidentified powder believed to be illegal drugs.
Police Confirmation
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest and the specific charges under the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 13:11.
“The suspect was arrested for reckless driving, driving without a valid licence, failing to comply with police instructions, as well as possession of illegal drugs.”
At the time of reporting, Ti Gonzi remained in police custody and is expected to appear in court shortly.
Social Media Backlash
The arrest has sparked a widespread reaction on social media, with many linking the incident to the drug scourge affecting artists.
"Vharirai zviende we say no to drugs akatitorera Soul Jah Love madrugs aya."
(Lock him up, we say no to drugs; these drugs took Soul Jah Love from us.)
"Ukaona wanzi reckless driving kuZim ziva kuti wanga uchiita zvihombe. Bcoz all of us are driving somehow."
(If you are charged with reckless driving in Zim, know you were doing something major, because we all drive somehow.)
"Anotengesa madrugs zvese nekumaputa uyo 🤣 ngaagareko."
(He sells drugs and smokes them too, let him stay in jail.)
"Ngavabve vagara naye ikoko."
(They should just keep him there.)
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