Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
EPWORTH – Community members and child rights organisations are demanding urgent action against KwaTafi Bar, a local establishment accused of serving alcohol to minors and exposing children to drug abuse and sexual exploitation.
The calls follow a recent incident where a 15-year-old boy, Tatenda, was found drinking at the bar after fleeing from home. Police recovered US$1,100, allegedly stolen from his grandfather, and released him into family custody.
Residents say Tatenda’s case is symptomatic of a wider crisis of juvenile delinquency in Epworth, fuelled by poverty, inadequate supervision, and lax law enforcement.
A “Hotspot” for Underage Drinking
Precious Msindo, Programs Coordinator for Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ), identified KwaTafi as a central problem.
“Every weekend, the place is filled with children as young as 14,” she said.
“Any efforts to engage the owners have been futile. They claim they cannot police who enters, yet they are breaking the law.”
In response, SLZ has launched the “Mwene weBhawa Ngaasungwe” (“The Bar Owner Must Be Arrested”) campaign to push for accountability, distributing “No Under 18” posters in Epworth, Seke, and Bindura.
Msindo emphasised that the dangers extend beyond alcohol.
“It is not just about alcohol. These spaces expose minors to drugs, sexual grooming and violence,” she stated.
Community Normalisation and Constitutional Violations
Ekenia Chifamba, director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana, expressed concern over the normalisation of children in adult spaces.
“It is disturbing that bars have become playgrounds for children. Protecting children is everyone’s duty, not just for the police or social workers,” Chifamba said.
Samantha Sibanda, director of Signs of Hope Trust, called for stricter enforcement of existing laws.
“Section 81 of the Constitution protects every child from harmful environments. Allowing minors into bars violates that right. We want arrests and licence cancellations for repeat offenders,” Sibanda urged.
Calls for Sustainable Solutions Beyond Police Raids
While a recent police raid on KwaTafi Bar was welcomed by some residents, concerns were raised about indiscriminate enforcement.
“We are glad to see the police taking action, but the focus should be on those breaking the law, not punishing those who are allowed to be there,” said Grace Tembo, a resident living near the bar.
Msindo echoed this, calling for “sustained and targeted enforcement,” while youth advocate Rey Dongonda stressed the need for long-term solutions.
“Nightly raids may provide temporary relief, but without safe recreational spaces and structured youth programmes, children will continue to seek refuge in bars,” Dongonda said.
“Many young people have nowhere safe to spend their evenings. If we had functional youth centres, sports programmes or skills hubs, the bars would not be their escape.”
Simon Masanga, Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, stated that Tatenda’s case reflects a breakdown in family and community protection systems.
“Protecting children is a collective effort, everyone has a role to play,” he said.
As calls for accountability mount, Epworth residents say KwaTafi Bar has become a symbol of social decay, where children are led astray and adult oversight fails.
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