Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
H-Metro Reporter
POLICE in Mutare have intensified their crackdown on shebeens and arrested three women while confiscating large quantities of illicit beer in the red-light district of Penhalonga.
The raid, which took place on Monday night, saw officers from ZRP Penhalonga swoop on several makeshift bars operating in the Zengeni area.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the operation was conducted by 10 officers around 8pm and targeted unlicensed premises.
“The three suspects Irene Lydia Hondo (37), Chiedza Muhodhi (35), and Tsitsi Karingamupengo (25) were all arrested during the blitz and are being held at ZRP Penhalonga.
“Police also confiscated a variety of alcoholic beverages, including 57 containers of 1.25 litre Chibuku beer, 38 bottles of 200ml Ice Cane spirit, 30 bottles of 200ml 8PM Whisky, and several bottles of Black Label, Castle, and Zambezi beers, among others,” he said.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said the seized beer is being kept at the Penhalonga Police Station as an exhibit.
He said the operation was part of an ongoing effort to restore order in Penhalonga and rid residential areas of illegal drinking spots that have become hotbeds for crime and moral decay.
“I can confirm that police in Penhalonga conducted a successful raid at Zengeni area on Monday night, leading to the arrest of three women for operating shebeens without licences. “We also recovered large quantities of beer and spirits which were being sold illegally.
“The three women are currently assisting police with investigations and will appear in court soon,” he said.
Ass Insp Chinyoka said shabeens have become notorious for fuelling disorderly behaviour, including violence, prostitution, and underage drinking, vices that undermine community safety and family life.
“These illegal outlets are breeding grounds for crime.
“People drink excessively, fights break out, and at times, serious crimes such as assault and sexual offences occur in these environments.
“We have received numerous complaints from residents who say their neighbourhoods are no longer safe because of these shebeens,” he said.
He warned residents against operating unlicensed bars and urged the public to cooperate with police in identifying offenders.
“Let this serve as a strong warning to all those who continue to run illegal liquor outlets.
“Police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute offenders.
“We are determined to ensure that the law takes its course.
“We also urge the community to refrain from buying beer from such places because doing so encourages lawlessness,” he said.
Mathew Masinge