Precious Mlilo
SELLING of illicit alcoholic beverages known as ‘Njengu’ in the now stupefied Bulawayo has been normalized to the extent that even the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers just pass-by the sellers as if they are window shopping.
The selling of the cheap alcohol in the streets of Bulawayo both in the Central Business District (CBD) and townships has seen heavy drinkers both young and old sleep on the streets in broad day light, mumbling inaudible words. The Cheap booze are in full display for passers-by to see in Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
Street names have been given to the illicit spirits that are produced illegally within Zimbabwe without approval. These include Njengu, kachasu and musombodia. The US$1 for two 250ml drinks contain brownish ethanol and methanol which illegal distillers dilute it with water and then package it in bottles with a recognizable Gin, Vodka, Brandy and Whisky brand name. All required information to make the illicit drink legit is placed on plastic stickers.
In the City of Kings and Queens, no matter how broke one is, money for drugs will always be available and the coming in of these spirits has made it easier for opportunists to take advantage of the market.
Indeed Zimbabwe is open for business, but at what cost?
The government has not done anything as of yet to curb the selling of njengu in the streets. And ZRP as of late has not conducted any crackdowns. Raids that were carried out at the beginning of the year have since stopped.
At a market value of US$0.50 (R10), Njengu has became a preferred spirit for many because of its level of alcohol content which is believed to be around 40%. Most people consume it as a quick fix because of its Highly effective alcohol content, explained Dr. Bongani Mguni.
“Most people are not aware how dangerous this alcohol is, not only does it cause impairment but it affects your organs. It affects your ability to be coherent leading to brain damage or mental health issues such as one having hallucinations.”
Dr. Mguni said Njengu dulls the brain regions that regulate how your body functions and this has an impact on your behavior, decision-making skills, and ability to maintain control. Alcohol affects your mood and might also give you a depressed or hostile feeling.
The feeling of relaxation, joyful and less restrained is nothing but illusory.
“Njengu-related deaths are reported each month.Keep in mind that drinking alcohol causes organs to shut down.” Said the psychologist.
Citizens of Zimbabwe are affected by the country’s roughly 90% unemployment rate, which has led many astray. Njengu is the cheapest alcoholic spirit with a high proportion of alcohol, and many use it to relieve stress. The current economic meltdown has seen many people paid peanuts at work and Njengu is the only alcohol they can afford.
Surprising, even the sellers know how deadly the substance they sell is but hide behind a finger.
“Most of the times, you find out that those who die after drinking njengu are street kids. Why?, because they drink without anything solid in their stomachs.” Said one seller.
Alcohol addiction has became one of the leading causes in mental health issues across the country. Several death cases have also been reported in Gwanda, Mbare and Harare.
Zim GBC News©2023