46 Arrested After Police Uncover Suspected Illegal Alcohol Factory in Southerton

HARARE — A major police operation in Harare's Southerton industrial area has resulted in the arrest of 46 people following the discovery of what authorities describe as an illegal alcohol manufacturing facility allegedly producing alcoholic beverages using ethanol. The operation, conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), is part of ongoing efforts to combat illicit manufacturing activities, protect public health, and strengthen enforcement of food and beverage regulations.

According to police, the suspects comprise 42 Zimbabwean nationals and four foreign nationals believed to have been involved in the operation of the facility. Investigators descended on the premises during a raid that exposed what authorities suspect was a large-scale illicit liquor production operation. Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered substantial ethanol storage tanks, packaging materials, and quantities of finished alcoholic products allegedly prepared for distribution to consumers. The premises remain under police guard while investigations continue.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said initial investigations indicate that alcoholic beverages were allegedly being manufactured and marketed as wines and spirits using ethanol that had not been approved by the relevant authorities. Nyathi expressed concern over both the substances used in production and the conditions under which the beverages were allegedly manufactured.

Authorities also indicated that the facility's operating environment allegedly failed to meet required health and safety standards. Investigators are now working to establish whether any of the products reached the market and to determine the potential extent of consumer exposure.

Police said the suspects are expected to face charges relating to violations of the Food and Food Standards Act and regulations governing the manufacture, processing, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe. Commissioner Nyathi warned that all businesses operating in Zimbabwe, regardless of ownership, are required to comply with the country's regulatory and legal requirements. He said authorities would continue taking action against individuals and companies found violating public health and safety laws.

The arrests come amid intensified government efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, strengthen consumer protection measures, and improve oversight of potentially harmful products entering the marketplace. Authorities have increasingly targeted illegal manufacturing operations, unlicensed production facilities, and businesses operating outside regulatory frameworks.

The government is also pursuing broader measures to address substance abuse through proposed institutional reforms, including plans to establish the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Abuse Agency, which would coordinate national interventions against drug and substance abuse.

Police have encouraged members of the public to report suspected illegal manufacturing activities, warning that unregulated production facilities can pose significant risks to public health, safety, and the economy. Investigations into the Southerton operation are ongoing, with authorities expected to conduct further inspections and forensic assessments of products seized during the raid. The 46 suspects are expected to appear in court once investigations are completed and formal charges have been finalised.

Southerton illegal alcohol factory