Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
A POLICE raid on a flat in Bulawayo’s city centre on Wednesday uncovered an illicit alcohol brewing operation, leading to the seizure of 800 litres of ethanol, hundreds of bottles of suspected counterfeit liquor and specialised equipment believed to have been used in the manufacture of illegal alcoholic beverages commonly known as “njengu”.
Two suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested during the operation and are expected to appear in court today.
Police also recovered hundreds of bottles filled with suspected illicit alcohol, empty bottles, stickers bearing the names of popular alcohol brands and a specialised machine used to seal alcohol bottles.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said officers acted on information received from a concerned member of the public.
“Statutory Instrument (SI) 62 of 2025 banned the production of illicit beverages that contain ethanol as the major ingredient and armed with that legislation, Police Bulawayo Province team received a tip off during their line of duty that some individuals in premises in the city centre involved in the production of illicit alcohol,” said Insp Msebele.
“Police officers acted on the tip off and discovered four plastic drums filled with ethanol, an assortment of alcoholic beverages that include gin as well as equipment that is used in the manufacturing of illicit alcohol popularly known as ‘njengu’”.
Insp Msebele said the accused failed to produce paper work and licences for their business.
“The two suspects were arrested after they failed to produce the requested documentation and officers proceeded to confiscate the apparatus used in the manufacturing of the illicit alcohol that included distillers,” she said.
