Zimbabwe is witnessing a worrying rise in illicit alcohol abuse amid the rapid proliferation of backyard distilleries and illegal breweries that are flooding communities with unregulated and potentially dangerous alcoholic beverages.
Authorities have raised alarm over the growing availability of counterfeit alcohol products, many of which are allegedly manufactured using smuggled ethanol and other harmful substances.
Law enforcement agencies have warned that stern action will be taken against individuals involved in the illegal production, distribution, and sale of illicit alcohol, as well as those supplying raw materials used in its manufacture.
“I want to assure Zimbabweans that the law will take its course without fear or favour,” said National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi following the arrest two foreign nationals in Harare on allegations of illegally manufacturing alcoholic beverages and wine products with alcohol content exceeding levels permitted under Zimbabwean law.
“And also to remind foreign nationals that 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, where at the end of the day, they end up perpetuating criminal activities.
“The same applies to Zimbabweans, if you are working with foreigners, you must assist these foreign nations to operate within the country’s laws, and where locals collude with foreign nationals, they will equally be responsible for those criminal activities just like the foreign national.”
Recent reports indicate that illicit alcohol is being produced in industrial areas and distributed through formal networks, exposing consumers to serious health risks, including poisoning, organ failure, and death.
Authorities have also expressed concern that the illegal trade is depriving the government of revenue while fuelling crime and substance abuse.
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Police have warned that anyone caught brewing, distributing, selling, or facilitating the production of illicit alcohol will face the full force of the law.
Meanwhile, there is growing concern among community leaders and youth advocates over the impact of drug and substance abuse on the country's young population.
Adding his voice to the campaign against substance abuse, BIGDEAL Economic Empowerment Movement president, James Pande, has called on young people to embrace healthy lifestyles and reject drug and alcohol abuse, warning that the future of the nation depends on a responsible and productive youth population.
Speaking during the handover of BIGDEAL-branded merchandise to the #BIGDEAL Bulawayo Bouncers, Pande said young people must take an active role in protecting themselves and their communities from the growing threat of illicit drugs and counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
“Young people are the backbone and the future of every nation, so they must be responsible citizens safeguarding the country from criminals who have invaded the liquor industry selling fake alcohol made from smuggled ethanol and other dangerous substances and drugs,” said Pande.
He expressed concern over what he described as organised criminal networks targeting the country's youth through the distribution of harmful substances, adding that authorities and communities must work together to stop the menace.
“We are aware of criminals who are planning to wipe out the young generation and we will not sit back and watch,” Pande said.
“Instead, we will assist authorities to curb these illegal activities. Some of these individuals are hiding behind flamboyant boutiques and restaurants while masterminding illicit deals.
“Their days are numbered because the government has taken a very serious stance against perpetrators.”
Pande commended members of the BIGDEAL Bulawayo Bouncers for promoting discipline and positive values among young people, urging them to become ambassadors of healthy living within their communities.
His remarks come at a time when government and law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, which has become a growing concern across the country.
