Bulawayo sports bars becoming a 'pandemic'

Bulawayo's western suburbs are up in arms over a surge in sports bars, which they describe as a menace destroying property values, fuelling crime and eroding family life.

Residents say the establishments  -  often operating with massive outdoor speakers  -  have turned neighbourhoods into "24-hour party zones" where music blasts for kilometres, drunken brawls spill into the streets, and sex work is openly conducted in front of children.

"It is chaos every weekend," said Babongile Moyo (47) of Luveve. "I lost a serious homebuyer after he heard the loud music. Now, other buyers are offering peanuts. These bars are ruining our investments and our peace."

Others said the noise has created cover for criminals. In Tshabalala, Moyomuhle Moyo recounted how thieves broke into her home at midnight and stole a 55-inch TV unnoticed. "We didn't hear a thing because of the deafening music. The police and council are failing us by letting these places operate in residential areas," she said.

The noise has driven some families to relocate. A former Emakhandeni resident said she was forced to move after the noise became unbearable for her autistic five-year-old twins. In Gwabalanda, Bongani Mpofu moved his sick father to Mzilikazi, saying the noise "was like living next to a nightclub that never closes."

Residents also decried open urination near shopping centres and rising robberies around vending stalls. "I cannot sell until late because fights break out near my stall. Some drunk people, even suspected omakorokoza, rob us and destroy our goods," said Cowdray Park vendor Nyasha Chibamu.

Under Section 80 of the Environmental Management Act, noise that interferes with peace or health carries fines of up to US$5 000 or a 12-month jail term. Yet residents allege operators are untouchable. "When we complain, the owners target us. Some bribe the police to stay open," said Sithabile Ncube of Nkulumane.

The Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) said the crisis stems from poor enforcement. "The blame lies with the city council, which issues the licences," said chairperson Winos Dube. "Residents must petition, report and document these violations."

Bulawayo City Council spokesperson Nesisa Mpofu confirmed that music and live bands are prohibited inside and outside sports bars. She urged residents to report breaches to the police, who can work with the Director of Health Services to recommend licence cancellations.

But enforcement remains absent, residents insist. "Every weekend, the music starts at sunset and goes until dawn. No one stops it," said a Nkulumane resident.

Church leaders say the bars are now even disrupting religious life. Pastor Nyasha Chimedza of ZAOGA Forward in Faith in Lobengula said congregations have had to reschedule Easter all-night services because of the noise.

"Our communities are rotting," warned a local church elder. "If nothing is done, we will lose our children, our homes and our sanity."