Zimbabwe: Chiefs worry over illicit beer brewing

Chiefs in Mhondoro have expressed concern over the increase in the brewing of illicit beer, commonly known as "chihwani", which is highly toxic, The Herald published June 13.

The brew, the chiefs said, has led to an increase in cases of assault.

Some businesspeople are also preparing the brew and packaging it in opaque beer containers at a lower price.

Two litres of the illicit brew costs about $5 000 compared to the approved opaque beer which costs $25 000.

Speaking at a meeting with villagers at Vera Business Centre in Bururu Village in Mhondoro last week, Chiefs Nyika and Mushava said there had been a rise in the number of people brewing the illicit beverage and the practice should stop as it compromises morals.

"We are worried about the increase in cases where people are brewing chihwani (beer brewed in one day using various ingredients, among them brown sugar and indigenous plants) because it has led to problems such as fights," said Chief Mushava.

Chief Nyika said he would expel those found preparing the brew if he had the power to do so.

"People tend to have a carefree attitude after taking the beer and that has resulted in disturbing behaviour by people of all ages and so the practice must stop," he said.

The Officer-in-Charge at Mamina Police Station, Inspector Genius Taswa, said the brewing of the beer was rampant and there was need for concerted effort to deal with the scourge, which is being attributed to the high cost of beer in shops.

"We really have a problem here and it is destroying the health of people in the area. We have now registered an increase in the number of uncontrolled fights, which fortunately have not turned tragic," he said.

Villagers interviewed said people were now selling household goods to buy the brew resulting in a rise in thefts.

"We recently lost our ploughs in our area and we feel this is the work of people who need quick money so that they can buy beer," said Mr Jonas Mutswa.

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