Residents of Harare are expressing concerns over the increasing number of brothels and shebeens in the city, which are said to be contributing to drug use and pr0stitution. The city has been hit hard by unemployment, forcing people to resort to all forms of business ventures to survive, including pr0stitution, drug selling, and beer brewing.
However, the loud music, foul language, and criminal activities at these establishments are affecting other residents. Harare Residents Trust director, Precious Shumba, said they had received numerous reports of young girls and boys being lured into drug bases in different suburbs, with shebeens becoming a major scene for human interactions.
Despite it being illegal for house owners to turn their properties into business enterprises, enforcing these laws is challenging. Harare Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said they had also recorded a rise in shebeens and unlicensed business operations such as rigs, which are causing noise pollution and becoming hideouts for criminals.
Juvenile delinquency and illicit behaviour are also on the rise, with ƨǝx parties and drug dealings rampant in these places. Harare City Council spokesperson, Innocent Ruwende, warned that it is illegal for house owners to turn their premises into business enterprises or for shops to run parallel operations outside those stipulated in their licenses.
However, enforcing these bylaws is difficult, and the public is urged to report any illegal activities to the authorities.
