Ti Gonzi Jailed: Hip Hop Star Handed 10-Month Sentence Over Mbare Drug Bust
Harare Magistrates Court • February 19, 2026
A Career on Pause. Zimbabwean Hip Hop heavyweight Ti Gonzi (38) will trade the studio for a prison cell after being sentenced to 10 months behind bars. The conviction follows a dramatic arrest in Mbare earlier this month, where police recovered illicit substances from his vehicle after a traffic violation. The court's ruling sends a stark message to the entertainment industry: fame is not a shield against the law.
| The Verdict: The rapper will serve an effective eight months in prison after a portion of his sentence was suspended. |
The "Hupenyu Hwangu" hitmaker faced the magistrate on charges of unlawful possession of drugs and multiple traffic offences. Upon conviction, the court imposed a 10-month custodial sentence. However, two months were suspended on the condition of good behavior, leaving the artist to serve an effective eight months in prison.
The Charges
Possession of Dagga and Broncleer, driving through a red light, and driving without a valid license (fined US$100).
Judgment Day
The court handed down a total prison term of 10 months. Two months have been suspended on the condition that the artist does not commit a similar offence within a stipulated period.
Effective Time: Ti Gonzi will serve 8 months behind bars.
In addition to the jail time, Ti Gonzi was slapped with a US$100 fine for driving without a valid driver’s licence, along with penalties linked to three other traffic violations.
The Mupedzanhamo Incident
The 38-year-old musician was arrested on February 2, 2026. Police pulled him over at the busy Mupedzanhamo market area in Mbare after he drove his Mercedes-Benz through a red traffic light.
During the subsequent search of his vehicle, officers recovered dagga and bottles of Broncleer (locally known as "Bronco") cough syrup, leading to the drug possession charges that have now cost him his freedom.
"No One is Above the Law"
The sentencing has triggered a wave of reactions online, with many Zimbabweans applauding the justice system for not showing favoritism to a celebrity.
- @Kurungai Bwadzira: "No one is above the law, he must face the consequences."
- @Wilfred Mutero: "Pane angaasingazive kuti ndewemadrugs here mukomana uyu?!?!?!" (Is there anyone who didn't know this boy was into drugs?)
- @Tyga Sparta: "Thats a good step for the nation munhu wese anoita zvema drugs anofanira kubatwa ombogara mukati."
While many agreed with the punishment, a section of fans expressed concern for the artist's well-being. User @Clairewood noted, "After prison they must send him to rehab," highlighting the broader issue of substance abuse within the music industry.
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