Operation Hurricane: 20 Arrested, Illegal Shebeens Shut as Police Crack Down on Crime in Southlea Park

HARARE – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 20 people, shut down 20 illegal shebeens, and dismantled four drug bases during a major anti-crime operation targeting violent offenders in Southlea Park and surrounding suburbs. The operation, codenamed Operation Hurricane, was launched following a surge in reports of murders, robberies, assaults, and unlawful entry cases in the area.

Harare Province Police Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said the operation combined saturation patrols, stop-and-search exercises, and raids on suspected criminal hideouts and unlicensed drinking establishments.

"On Tuesday and Wednesday, police embarked on an operation code-named Operation Hurricane covering Southlea Park and surrounding areas," Chikunguru said.

According to the police, officers arrested about 20 people for offences including public drinking, while 20 illegal shebeens were ordered to close. Authorities also destroyed four suspected drug bases and recovered sachets of dagga during the raids. Police said half of those arrested were already wanted in connection with unlawful entry and robbery cases.

"About 20 people were arrested, 20 shebeens were closed, four drug bases were destroyed, and sachets of dagga were recovered," Chikunguru said.

The police commissioner warned operators of unlicensed beer outlets that law enforcement agencies would intensify enforcement against illegal businesses believed to be fuelling crime and disorder in residential communities. He urged all operators of illegal shebeens and other unregistered drinking establishments to cease operations immediately or face prosecution.

Commissioner Chikunguru said Operation Hurricane would be rolled out to other suburbs across Harare as police step up efforts to combat violent crime and restore public order. He also appealed to residents to work closely with law enforcement by providing information that could assist in identifying and apprehending criminals.

"We would like to warn people harbouring criminals by providing accommodation as tenants that the law will take its course," he said.

The commissioner urged landlords to carry out proper background checks before renting out their properties.

"Do not rent your houses to criminals. Have detailed information before renting strange people into your homes," he said.

Police believe that some criminal suspects have been using rented accommodation and illegal drinking spots as bases to plan robberies, assaults, and other offences.

The latest operation comes amid a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal alcohol outlets, drug trafficking, and violent crime. Authorities have repeatedly warned that unlicensed shebeens often operate outside liquor licensing regulations and are frequently linked to drug abuse, public disorder, and other criminal activities. Police have encouraged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying community cooperation remains essential in combating crime.

"Police is going to leave no stone unturned in bringing all criminals to book," Commissioner Chikunguru said.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police says investigations into criminal networks operating in Southlea Park and neighbouring suburbs are continuing, with further arrests expected as Operation Hurricane expands across the capital.

Operation Hurricane Southlea Park