Mbare man arrested over viral drunken minors

By Kennedy Nyavaya | Dec. 29, 2023

Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest saying the man, identified as Phaeteon Mutiyaya, operates an unlicensed alcohol outlet in Mbare.

Police officers in Harare have arrested a 23-year-old peddler for selling liquor to minors on Christmas day.

In a statement on Friday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest saying the man, identified as Phaeteon Mutiyaya, operates an unlicensed alcohol outlet in Mbare.

“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police's press statement released on 27th December 2023 on social media videos which went viral on 26th December 2023 showing minors drinking alcohol in Harare Central Business District. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Phaeteon Mutiyaya (23) for supplying liquor to the minors. The suspect operates a shebeen at Block 2C10 , Nenyere Flats, Mbare , Harare,” said Nyathi, adding:

“The arrest led to the recovery of:- 16 × 1.25 litres Super Chibuku, 38 x 200ml Two Keys Whisky, 25 X 200 ml Gin, 20 empty beer crates, 5 X 500 mi Detroit beer, 5 X 5000 Skippers cane spirit, 3 X 750 Heineken beer, 2 X 750 ml Gordons Gin, 2 X 750 ml Robertson wine, 1 X 750 ml Chando wine, 1 X 750 ml Omega whisky, 1 X 750 ml Double Black whisky, 1 X 750 ml Discovery Vodka, 1 X 750 Pushkin Vodka and 1 X 750 ml Black Label quart.”

Nyathi also said the Police had, in addition to the initial two Epworth minors, accounted for all the other involved delinquents from Mbare.

“The minors are aged 5, 7 (three), 9, 10 (three) and 11. They all reside at Nenyere Flats, Mbare with their parents and guardians who have since been located by the Police. Investigations by the Police have established that the minors used money given to them as Christmas presents to buy alcohol. The minors travelled from Mbare to Harare Central Business District and linked up with the two.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warns liquor outlet operators against supplying or selling liquor to persons under the age of 18. The Police will arrest violators of Liquor Act without fear or favour. Operators of shebeens or illegal liquor outlets will face the full wrath of the law,” said Nyathi.