Zimbabwe bans ethanol-laced alcohol

The Zimbabwean government has officially outlawed the manufacture, sale, and consumption of ethanol-laced alcoholic substances commonly known as "kambwa" or "musombodhiya," as part of its ongoing effort to curb the spread of harmful and unregulated home-brewed alcohol.

The ban was announced in a Government Gazette published last Friday by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who added the illicit brew to the list of substances prohibited under the Harmful Liquids Act.

"This notice may be cited as the Harmful Liquids Act (Amendment of Schedule to Act) Notice, 2025," the minister stated. "The Schedule to the Act is amended by the insertion after item 9 (‘Nipa') of the following item:
10. Any unregulated, unauthorised or illegally produced alcoholic beverages containing ethanol, colloquially referred to by such names as kambwa, musombodhiya or by any other name whatsoever."

The announcement brings the number of banned harmful alcoholic substances in Zimbabwe to ten. Previous bans have targeted potent and dangerous brews such as Skokiaan, Barberton, Qilika, Isityimiyana, Hopana, Qediviki, Uhali, Kachasu, and Nipa — all widely known for their contribution to health complications and anti-social behaviour.

Kambwa or musombodhiya is typically produced in backyards using industrial-grade ethanol mixed with various additives. Its cheap price and high potency have made it popular in low-income communities, despite mounting reports of its role in violent incidents, poisonings, and deaths.

Authorities say the consumption of the substance has often been linked to rowdy behaviour, increased cases of gender-based violence (GBV), and even fatalities due to its toxic composition.

The latest ban is expected to strengthen law enforcement efforts targeting the illicit alcohol trade and provide a legal framework for prosecuting offenders found manufacturing or distributing the outlawed brew.

Public health experts have welcomed the move but urged the government to complement the ban with public awareness campaigns and increased regulation of alcohol sales to curb the spread of illegal brews.

"It's not just about banning these substances. We also need to address the root causes — poverty, unemployment, and lack of affordable recreational alternatives — that are driving people to consume these dangerous concoctions," said one health sector analyst.

Police are expected to intensify surveillance and raids in known illegal brewing hotspots across the country.