Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
GOVERNMENT has banned the production of illicit alcoholic brews commonly known as “musombodhiya” or “kambwa”.
The ban was announced in Statutory Instrument 62 of 2025 under the Harmful Liquids Act, issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, cited as the Harmful Liquids Act (Amendment of Schedule to Act) Notice, 2025.
“The Schedule to the Act is amended by the insertion after item 9 (‘Nipa’) of the following item: ‘Any unregulated, unauthorised or illegally produced alcoholic beverages containing ethanol, colloquially referred to by such names as kambwa, musombodhiya or by any other name whatsoever,” reads part of the SI.
The ban follows an outcry from the general public that action should be taken against the production and consumption of illicit beverages, including other harmful drugs such as methamphetamine (guka/mutoriro or dombo).
An inter-ministerial committee has also been set up to tackle the issue of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse, especially among youths, and the construction of rehabilitation centres.
Stakeholders have called for the provision of income-generating projects for youths, as idleness has been cited as a contributing factor to the increase in drug and alcohol abuse.
In separate interviews, some Harare residents endorsed the ban on production of the illicit brews.
Mrs Tendai Marira of Dzivaresekwa said: “I am in support of the decision to ban kambwa as my husband used to be a good man but has now become aggressive and violent towards me ever since he started drinking it.
“He no longer respects me, does not spend any time with his family anymore, because he spends most of his time drunk,” she said.
A Mabvuku resident, Mr Henry Pfugi expressed gratitude to the Government for taking action against unregulated and harmful alcoholic beverages.
“As someone who has been personally impacted by the effects of kambwa addiction, I am deeply grateful to the Government for banning it.
“My cousin’s recovery at Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the destructive power of these substances, not only in Mabvuku but across Zimbabwe,” said Mr Pfugi.
Chitungwiza resident, Mr Garnet Chadamoyo, said the ban was “a positive step” that should be supported by all.
