Police raid fake alcohol manufacturing factory
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have uncovered an illegal brewery operating in Southerton Harare as part of their ongoing crackdown on underground alcohol production. The illicit operation which was producing unregulated and potentially hazardous alcoholic beverages was shut down following a house raid.
Acting on a tip-off from concerned residents, ZRP officers stormed the illegal brewery, seizing large quantities of counterfeit alcohol, unlicensed distillation equipment, and raw materials used in production. Authorities revealed that the facility was manufacturing and distributing unregistered liquor brands, posing serious health and safety risks to consumers.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the raid and emphasized the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol.
These illegal breweries operate without regulation using unsafe ingredients that can cause severe health complications, including poisoning. The public is urged to avoid purchasing alcohol from unverified sources Nyathi stated.
Investigators found the makeshift distillery operating under unsanitary conditions with contaminated water sources and poor storage facilities. Several individuals were arrested at the site, including workers who alleged they were being exploited with low wages and dangerous working conditions.
One arrested suspect, who refused to be named claimed he had no idea the operation was illegal. I was just looking for work. I didn’t know the alcohol was unsafe he said.
Local residents in Southerton expressed relief following the police operation, saying the illicit brewery had been a long-standing problem in the area. Some neighbors reported a strong smell of chemicals coming from the facility and suspected the operation was linked to increased cases of public intoxication and violent crime. The government has vowed to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal alcohol production in Zimbabwe. Health authorities have warned consumers to be cautious when purchasing alcoholic beverages advising them to check for official labeling and regulatory certification. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing with several suspects facing charges related to illegal alcohol production, tax evasion and violation of public health regulations.
The ZRP has reiterated its commitment to dismantling underground alcohol networks, urging members of the public to report suspicious activities linked to unlicensed liquor sales. As law enforcement tightens its grip on illicit breweries, the Southerton raid serves as a stark warning to those engaging in illegal and unsafe alcohol production.
