UK Police Mistake Zimbabwean Man’s Sadza for Drugs, Charges Dropped After Lab Tests
UK – A Zimbabwean man faced an unexpected ordeal when British police mistook his sadza for illegal drugs following a car crash.
Tinashe Ndongwe, (26) of Southampton, was involved in a collision on the A419 near Castle Eaton on February 3.
While no injuries were reported, officers suspected he was carrying a controlled substance after discovering white, powdery material wrapped in plastic bags.
Lab tests later confirmed the substance was sadza, a staple dish widely consumed in Zimbabwe, Zambia and other parts of southern Africa.
West Midlands Police issued a statement acknowledging the mistake and confirmed that all charges related to drug possession had been dropped yesterday.
Ndongwe had reportedly prepared the sadza earlier that day and was transporting it home for dinner when the incident occurred.
Sources close to him said he was “shocked” by the ordeal but relieved that the situation was resolved swiftly.
According to reports by The Zimbabwe Mail, police initially believed the white substance was amphetamine, leading to a charge of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.
However, tests confirmed it was maize meal and the drug charges were officially dropped.
“This is a reminder that not every unfamiliar item is dangerous. Sadza is to Zimbabweans what mashed potatoes are to the British,” said Farai Muchenje, chair of the Birmingham Zimbabwean Community Association.
Social media users reacted with humor, turning the ordeal into a viral sensation. Memes and jokes flooded platforms, with one user quipping, “The only crime here was separating a Zimbabwean man from his sadza.”
Ndongwe pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and is expected to be sentenced on April 22 at Swindon Crown Court.
The story has also ignited broader discussions about diversity awareness in policing, especially in multicultural areas like the West Midlands.
