Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Crime Reporter
TWO directors of a local beverage company have been arrested after police uncovered an illegal alcohol manufacturing plant operating under unhygienic conditions, sparking serious concerns about public health and consumer safety.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrests and identified the suspects as Chester Mudekwa (54), of Greenside Extension, and Hasha Dhliwayo (27), of Palmerstone. Both are directors of Teku Teku Company.
According to Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, the arrests followed a police raid on June 5, after authorities received a tip-off about illicit alcohol production taking place at the premises along Simon Mazorodze Street in the city.
Investigations revealed that beverages were allegedly being manufactured and packaged without adherence to health and safety regulations governing food and beverage production.
He said inquiries are ongoing to determine the scale of the operation and whether the products had already reached the market.
Authorities have warned that such practices pose a significant risk to consumers, as unregulated alcohol can lead to severe health complications.
“Police received information regarding suspected illegal alcohol manufacturing activities at the premises. Acting on the tip-off, officers attended the scene and conducted investigations,” he said.
Upon arrival, police allegedly found employees bottling and packaging Teku Teku liquor into branded containers intended for distribution and sale.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed serious breaches of health and safety regulations.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said officers discovered that the manufacturing plant was operating under conditions considered unsuitable for the production of consumable products.
“The production area and some of the equipment used during the brewing and blending processes were allegedly found in unhygienic condition. Investigations indicated that the environment did not meet the standards expected for food and beverage manufacturing,” he said.
Further investigations allegedly established that employees involved in the manufacturing process did not possess valid food handlers’ medical certificates, while some were reportedly not wearing protective clothing required when handling products for human consumption.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka also alleged that the company failed to produce key statutory documents authorising the facility’s operation.
“The two suspects allegedly failed to produce a valid shop licence, food manufacturing certificates and other documentation required for such operations,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
During the operation, police seized large quantities of alcohol and equipment believed to have been used in the manufacturing process.
Recovered items included a 5 000-litre container holding approximately 1 600 litres of fermented Zee wine, another 5 000-litre container with about 1 400 litres of blended Teku Teku cane spirit, and a third 5 000-litre container holding approximately 3 000 litres of ethanol.
Police also recovered 10×5 000-litre containers allegedly used as fermentation and blending tanks, four heating guns, a PET bottle blow-moulding machine, 25 litres of pineapple flavouring and one kilogramme of bentonite.
The total value of the recovered products and equipment is estimated at approximately US$85 000.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the case should serve as a warning to businesses involved in the manufacture of food and beverages.
“We want to remind all business operators that public health and consumer safety must never be compromised in pursuit of profit. Companies dealing with food and beverages are required to comply with all licensing, health and safety regulations before commencing operations,” he said.
He warned that police will continue conducting inspections and investigations targeting illegal manufacturing activities.
“We urge business owners to regularise their operations and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Members of the public also have a role to play by reporting suspicious manufacturing activities that may endanger lives or expose consumers to unsafe products,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka added that authorities will not hesitate to take action against individuals found violating laws governing the production and distribution of consumable goods.
The two suspects were expected to appear in court this week.
