Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
THIRTY-TWO people, including seven directors, were yesterday arrested for operating an illicit brewery at Arlington industrial park in Harare.
Samna Liquor company directors are alleged to have been manufacturing and distributing four types of beer labelled Jay-Dox vodka, Happy Cheers mint Vodka, Happy Cheers whiskey premium and Jay-Dox brandy.
The company has been making the illicit brews since 2024.
Their 25 employees have been working without food handling certificates, risking the health of the consumers.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
He said the directors are foreigners who were also staying at the rented plant premises.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to confirm the arrest of seven directors and 25 employees in Harare,” he said.
“The suspects are facing charges of operating a liquor manufacturing plant and distributing the illicit brews without following proper procedures and without proper documents.
“The directors have been violating the country’s laws, although they had acquired a liquor licence from local authorities.”
Police seized five vehicles that were being using to distribute the products and a stock of the illicit liquor worth thousands of dollars.
Investigations carried out so far have established that the liquor was being made from ethanol, flavours and water.
They contain 40 percent alcohol content, which was not tested.
“Further investigations are being conducted and the suspects will appear in court soon,” said Comm Nyathi.
