Bulawayo 'Njengu' factory busted in CBD

Two suspected manufacturers of the notorious illicit alcoholic brew known as "njengu" have been arrested after police uncovered an alleged illegal brewing operation hidden inside a residential flat in Bulawayo's central business district.

The suspects, identified as Mduduzi Ngoma of Barbourfields and Naomi P. Sakhala of Njube, were arrested on Wednesday during a police raid at a flat located at the corner of Josiah Tongogara Street and Second Avenue.

According to police, officers found Ngoma allegedly busy packaging the illicit alcohol while Sakhala was identified as the cashier overseeing operations at the premises.

The raid exposed what residents have described as a concealed alcohol production plant operating from a residential apartment in the heart of the city. Instead of an ordinary household setting, police reportedly discovered drums, bottles, packaging materials and equipment believed to have been used in the manufacture and distribution of the controversial brew.

Authorities seized hundreds of bottles of suspected counterfeit liquor, drums containing ethanol, brewing equipment, branded stickers and empty bottles awaiting packaging.

Investigators were particularly concerned by the discovery of bottles allegedly carrying labels bearing the name of Highlanders African Gin, a recently launched product. The find has raised fears that counterfeit versions of legitimate alcoholic beverages may already be circulating on the market, posing potential risks to consumers.

Bulawayo has long struggled with the proliferation of cheap illicit alcohol, commonly referred to as "njengu." The brew has gained popularity among some drinkers because of its low cost, but community leaders and residents have repeatedly warned of its devastating social impact.

Many young people have reportedly become trapped in alcohol abuse linked to the substance, resulting in school dropouts, unemployment and deteriorating family relationships. Community representatives have also associated the spread of illicit alcohol with rising levels of crime, domestic violence and social instability in several suburbs.

Health experts have consistently warned against the dangers of consuming illegally manufactured alcohol, noting that harmful substances may be mixed into the brew. In severe cases, such products can cause serious illness, blindness or even death.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrests and said samples of the confiscated alcohol would undergo laboratory analysis.

"The confiscated alcohol will be sent to a laboratory for scientific tests to determine the components used in the manufacturing of the illicit alcohol brew," she said.

The two suspects are expected to appear in court while investigations continue.

Residents have welcomed the operation, describing it as a major step in tackling the illicit alcohol trade that many believe is causing significant harm to communities across the city. For many families, the crackdown offers renewed hope that authorities are taking action against those accused of profiting from the manufacture and sale of potentially dangerous alcohol.