Chronicle Editor
Yoliswa Dube-Moyo, Mat’land South Bureau Chief
THREE shebeens line a street in Khayelitsha, Colleen Bawn, within a few metres from each other.
Illegal gold miners, otsheketsha, as they’re popularly known, patronise these shebeens.
Some of them loiter the streets while others find comfortable spots within the shebeen premises.
The night is vibrant, the music is loud and there is no taming these liquid gold miners.
While many have become accustomed to this kind of night life, many more are afraid for their lives because of the criminal activities that occur during these busy nights.
“We’re now having to close earlier because of the increase in crime around here. We used to close as late as 7pm but now we have to be heading home by 5.30pm to avoid trouble,” said Mr Johnsley Moyo, a shopkeeper in Colleen Bawn.
He said the mining area had in recent times reported a surge in criminal activity which he attributed to otsheketsha and shebeens.
“There have been a lot of robberies of late and we’re now scared. Otsheketsha are infamous for being violent so we also try by all means to avoid them,” said Mr Moyo.
Some 30km up the Beitbridge-Gwanda Highway is Gwanda town where shebeens are also a common feature in the mining town’s oldest township, Jahunda. There, people also complain that the shebeens are fuelling criminal activity.
Recently, several residents have been reportedly robbed of their vehicles, in some instances at gun point in the town’s central business district in broad daylight.
“Gwanda used to be a very safe place but because of the criminal activities being reported of late, it is now questionable. We’re not used to this kind of life,” said Ms Thandeka Sibanda, a Jahunda resident.
She said because shebeens are not regulated, they’re becoming a breeding ground for criminals.
“Some of the shebeens will be selling alcohol from morning and they’re open until past 3am. These shebeens are harbouring criminals and promoting bad behaviour because there’s no one to control the other or put them in line,” said Ms Sibanda.
“Shebeens must be closed down. This is where criminals are coming from. It is drunk individuals who then break into our homes to steal. They rob people on the streets and you sometimes hear of women being violated,” charged another resident, Mr Allan Nare.
He said police need to step up efforts to weed criminal elements from communities and shut down shebeens.
“The raids are not enough. We need lasting solutions because we’re tired of being harassed by these criminals,” said Mr Nare.
Shebeens, unlicensed establishments that have sold liquor and food since colonial times, are still a major gathering place for many to unwind — despite the growth of flashier and classier night spots.
However, many believe that a lot of crime takes place when people don’t sleep and are gathered drinking.
“Criminals take advantage and mingle with those who are drinking, to start robbing people,” said Ms Olinda Dube, another resident.
In a recent statement, police urged members of the public to comply with the law and desist from operating shebeens.
“The operation of shebeens is illegal,” police said. “They are also seen as a hive of activity where criminals thrive, where they waylay their victims. We also ask the members of the public to continue to report these people who operate illegally.” — @Yolisswa
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