20 nabbed in Operation Hurricane, 20 Shebeens closed

Arron Nyamayaro

Twenty people were arrested and 20 shebeens were closed during a police operation dubbed “Operation Hurricane”.

The operation is targeting criminals linked to the killing of people and break-ins in Southlea Park.

The operation followed reports of murder, assaults, unlawful entry and robberies from across various suburbs.

In a statement, Harare Province Police Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said the operation would be extended to other areas.

He warned residents to avoid operating unlicensed beer outlets while also warning criminals that the police would not relent.

Commissioner Chikunguru said around 20 people were arrested for public drinking, and urged members of the public to cooperate with police to restore order.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday, police embarked on an operation code-named Operation Hurricane covering Southlea Park and surrounding areas,” he said.

He said police carried out saturation patrols, arrested people found loitering without satisfactory explanation, conducted stop-and-searches for items that could be used for criminal activities, and raided shebeens.

“About 20 people were arrested, 20 shebeens were closed, four drug bases were destroyed, and sachets of dagga were recovered,” Commissioner Chikunguru said.

He added that of the 20 arrested, 10 were on the police wanted list for unlawful entry and robbery cases.

Commissioner Chikunguru urged operators of shebeens and other unregistered beer outlets to close down immediately.

He also urged residents to continue providing information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.

“We would like to warn people harbouring criminals by providing accommodation as tenants that the law will take its course,” he said.

He warned against renting houses to strangers without conducting checks, saying: “Do not rent your houses to criminals. Have detailed information before renting strange people into your homes.”

“Police is going to leave no stone unturned in bringing all criminals to book,” Commissioner Chikunguru concluded.