Zimbabwe names more illicit drinks

The Government has announced a sweeping ban on a range of dangerous alcoholic beverages through Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 62 of 2025, invoking the Harmful Liquids Act to combat the growing threat of illicit brews to public health. The move, announced by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, comes after years of concern over unregulated alcohol production and its devastating effects on communities across Zimbabwe.

Among the banned beverages are brands such as Challenge, Kitoko, and Ranger, which are reportedly supplied by a company operating along Manchester Road in Harare. These concoctions are typically sold in 200ml, 500ml, and 750ml containers and are widely consumed due to their affordability. Also on the list are Tumbwa and Musombodhiya, which have gained infamy over the years as potent and dangerous brews often linked to serious health complications. Kabisa and Magic Moments, believed to be distributed by a company along Coventry Road, have also been outlawed, as have Happy Cheers, Stallion, and Tambirani.

Authorities believe that some Asian business operators are behind the production and distribution networks of these harmful drinks. The beverages are often manufactured in unsanitary, unlicensed facilities and contain harmful substances such as industrial chemicals, which pose severe health risks, including organ damage, poisoning, and even death.

Minister Kazembe said the Government could not remain passive in the face of the escalating public health crisis brought on by these illicit alcohols. "The Government cannot stand by as these harmful brews continue to wreak havoc in our communities. This measure is necessary to safeguard public health and uphold the integrity of our society," he said.

Statutory Instrument No. 62 of 2025 prohibits not only the production and sale of these concoctions but also their possession and consumption. The law provides for strict penalties for violators, and enforcement agencies have been mandated to clamp down on operations linked to illicit liquor. Police and municipal authorities have already begun raids on known suppliers, while community leaders have been urged to support the effort by reporting illegal activities and educating residents about the dangers of unregulated alcohol.

For years, illicit brews have flooded urban and rural areas alike, drawing consumers with their low cost and high alcohol content. However, the health implications have been devastating, with hospitals frequently reporting cases of poisoning, addiction, and fatalities linked to their consumption.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also voiced its support for the ban, describing it as a critical intervention to protect vulnerable populations. Health officials say that these drinks are not only toxic but have become a public safety hazard, particularly among youths and low-income earners who are most likely to consume them.

The ban marks a decisive step by the Government in cleaning up the beverage industry and sending a clear message that public health cannot be sacrificed for profit. Law enforcement authorities, supported by local councils and public health officials, are expected to intensify efforts to ensure full compliance with the new regulations.

As operations to remove the banned products from the market continue, citizens have been encouraged to consume only properly certified and regulated alcoholic products.