In a significant development following the viral video showcasing minors engaging in alcohol consumption, authorities have apprehended Phaeteon Mutiyaya (23) for allegedly supplying liquor to the underage individuals. The police operation also resulted in the identification of the nine other juveniles involved, as well as their parents or guardians.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, stating, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Phaeteon Mutiyaya for supplying liquor to minors. The suspect operates a shebeen at Block 2C10, Nenyere Flats, Mbare, Harare.”
The arrest led to the recovery of an assortment of alcoholic beverages, including 16 x 1.25 litres Super Chibuku, 38 x 200ml Two Keys whisky, 25 X 200 ml gin, 20 empty beer crates, 5 X 500 ml Detroit beer, 5 X 500ml Skippers cane spirit, 3 X 750 Heinken 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.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi further revealed that the police have successfully identified the remaining nine minors who were in the company of the two initially discovered minors from Epworth, Harare. The age range of the minors is between 5 and 11, with all of them residing at Nenyere Flats in Mbare alongside their parents or guardians, who have since been located by law enforcement.
Investigations have revealed that the minors utilized money received as Christmas presents to purchase the alcohol. They travelled from Mbare to Harare’s Central Business District, where they rendezvoused with the two minors from Epworth.
In light of the incident, the Zimbabwe Republic Police issued a stern warning to liquor outlet operators, cautioning against supplying or selling alcohol to individuals under the age of 18. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that violators of the Liquor Act would face arrest without exception, with shebeen operators and illegal liquor outlets facing the full force of the law.
This recent development follows the police’s ongoing investigations into unscrupulous beer outlets and individuals across the country suspected of selling alcohol to underage consumers on Christmas Day. Authorities have pledged to take appropriate action, including potential license cancellations, against these establishments once the investigations are complete.
The circulation of videos depicting children partaking in alcohol abuse has raised concerns, prompting a decisive response from law enforcement. The police have reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the well-being of the nation’s youth, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of underage drinking.
As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that this incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need to safeguard the welfare of minors in our communities.
