Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Two men have been arrested for manufacturing beverages with alcohol content exceeding the legal limit, police said, seizing goods worth over US$120 000.
The suspects were operating from a factory in the Msasa Industrial Area, where they produced Mankouxing wine in 100ml and 500ml bottles.
Investigations revealed the wine contained 53 percent alcohol, well above the 40 percent maximum permitted by Zimbabwean law.
The pair faces nine counts of violating national regulations. Police also discovered health and safety breaches at the facility.
Sorghum was being fermented in plastic containers, compromising food hygiene standards, and the suspects failed to produce mandatory Food Premises Sanitary Certificates and Food Certificates, according to investigators.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of two foreign nationals in Msasa Industrial Area in Harare who were involved in the manufacture of illicit alcoholic beverages under the guise of selling wines, spirits and other products, thereby violating various laws,” Comm Nyathi said.
He said investigations had been expanded in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, and the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to determine how the suspects operated in the country.
“I want to assure Zimbabweans that the law will take its course without fear or favour,” Comm Nyathi said.
He warned foreigners to adhere to their permits and cautioned locals against collusion.
“If they are given certain permits, they are given certain licences to be in the country; they must stick to those permits and not abuse them,” Comm Nyathi said.
“The same applies to Zimbabweans. If you are working with foreigners, you must assist these foreign nationals to operate within the country’s laws.
“Where locals collude with foreign nationals, they will equally be responsible for those criminal activities just like the foreign national,” he said.
The suspects remain in police custody, assisting with investigations.
