Nightclub and Bar Owners Celebrate Drug Lord’s Arrest

NIGHTCLUB and bar owners across Bulawayo are breathing a sigh of relief following the arrest of Gary Bell (42), a suspected key player in the city’s illicit drug trade. Bell is suspected of being linked to numerous drug-related incidents in Bulawayo’s vibrant nightlife scene. He was arrested by Harare detectives outside a leisure centre last Saturday.

 

He is due to appear in court again this week as his lawyer attempts to secure bail.

 

His arrest has brought a wave of optimism to business owners who claim his activities were severely impacting their establishments. Bar owners report that patronage has declined due to reports of drug use and related violence. Many noted that potential customers were staying away, fearing for their safety.

 

Mike Gomez, who runs Café Baku, urged police to intensify the fight against drug abuse, particularly in bars.

 

“We are glad that one less individual is dealing in drugs. Police should have undercover detectives in bars to prevent the trade,” he said.

 

Rethusaneng Mabuka, who runs the Bulawayo Athletic Club Leisure Centre, said ongoing dialogue and collaboration between club owners and police are essential.

 

Another bar owner, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed hope that the police action would make a difference.

 

“Like many in the nightlife industry, we have been concerned about the impact of drug activity near our establishments, which have long been a popular gathering place.”

 

The police operation targeted not only the suspected drug dealer but also sent a strong message to others involved in illegal activities.

 

“We want our patrons to enjoy their nights out without fear. This kind of action reassures everyone that we can have fun without the shadows of crime,” the bar owner said.

 

Witnesses described a dramatic scene outside the leisure centre during the arrest. While some onlookers were initially startled, many quickly recognised the significance of the event.

 

“It was a little chaotic at first, but then you realise it’s for the best,” said one clubber, who preferred to remain anonymous.

 

The collaboration between law enforcement and business owners is seen as a vital step in rebuilding community trust.

 

Bell denies any wrongdoing, insisting that the drugs were planted on him during what he described as an unlawful arrest. His lawyer, Shepherd Chamunorwa, argued in court that the arrest lacked proper legal procedure.

 

Chamunorwa said that Bell was arrested outside The Smoke House in the early hours of Saturday morning. He said that Bell was inebriated at the time of his arrest, having been drinking from the afternoon until midnight. He claimed that police officers surrounded him as he left the establishment and then commandeered his vehicle.

 

Chamunorwa alleged that police then drove Bell’s vehicle to his residence and searched it without his consent or a warrant, claiming they recovered drugs from the vehicle. He asserted that Bell was unaware of the alleged drugs.

 

He further claimed that the drugs were planted on Bell before the search of his home, which was also conducted without consent or a warrant. Chamunorwa also stated that police then drove to Bell’s parents’ home and searched that property as well.

 

He alleged that police forcibly made Bell sign a document while he was intoxicated and unaware of its contents. He also challenged the confiscation of Bell’s two mobile phones without a warrant.

 

The case is being presided over by Bulawayo magistrate, Maxwell Ncube. Chronicle