Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified its offensive against drug and substance abuse, arresting two suspects accused of manufacturing illicit alcohol in Bulawayo’s Central Business District as authorities tighten the net on illegal supply chains.
The arrests were made on Wednesday following a police raid on an illegal brewery, where officers recovered three 200-litre drums containing ethanol allegedly being used in the production of illicit alcoholic beverages.
Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said the suspects were found operating without the required licences and were using ethanol as the primary ingredient in the manufacture of various alcoholic products, contrary to the provisions of Statutory Instrument 62 of 2025.
“We raided a building in town following a tip-off from the public. When we raided the building, we arrested two workers who failed to produce a licence, and they were using ethanol as the main ingredient for brewing the different types of illicit alcohol they were producing,” he said.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle networks involved in the production and distribution of illegal substances.
Inspector Msebele said police remain committed to eliminating drug and substance abuse, which continues to affect communities across the country.
“Last week, we arrested a group that was in possession of dagga. This week, we managed to bust this manufacturing plant, thanks to the members of the public for assisting us in this fight. We want to put an end to this scourge that is destroying young people,” Inspector Msebele said.
The latest arrests have been welcomed by parents and community members, who say illicit drugs and alcohol are having devastating effects on young people.
“It is painful to see our children wasting away because of these illicit brews. We are burying our own children when they should be the ones burying us,” a parent said.
“This issue makes me emotional. You know the pain of carrying a child for nine months, only for them to be destroyed by drugs. We are pleading with the government to help put an end to this,” another parent said.
Government has also reinforced efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through the establishment of provincial taskforces aimed at coordinating interventions and strengthening enforcement measures.
“All hands are on deck to try and save our youths from drug and substance abuse, hence we have put up provincial taskforces,” Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube said.
Authorities say the operation underscores the growing momentum in the fight against drug and substance abuse, with police continuing to target illegal manufacturers, distributors and suppliers across the country.
