Nine Zimbabwean women were arrested in Harare on suspicion of advertising massages and “bota” services (also known as “Happy Endings”) who were believed to have violated the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. These women reportedly offered S3xual services during massage for an additional fee, a practice that has become increasingly common in some massage parlours in Harare, where it is used to attract more customers.
Women, including four teenagers, faced charges for soliciting PR0STITITION in court after allegedly advertising massages and S3xual services on social media platforms. The women were arrested after police sting operations, who sent potential clients in response to online advertising, provide massage services, and offer other S3XUAL services for $20.
The arrested woman protected her identity by covering her face, accompanied by police without shoes, and directed to the court.
The defendants are Natasha Makowe (18), Annie Mandaza (27), Ashley Nyamutsaka (21), Nyasha Mungate (19), Gamuchirai Dzvukutu (24) (24), Ellen Chihota (20), Miola Manyange (19), Euno Chiwara (19), Euno Chiwara (24) and Mukh banda (19). It is a crime of soliciting prostitution under section 81(b)(2) of the Criminal Code (Codification and Reform) Act. The group appeared before Harare Magistrates Judge Tapiwa Banda but was not asked to defend. The case has been postponed until Tuesday, May 6 for bail, and until then, nine women remained in custody.
According to the country represented by Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira, three officials of the Commissioner of the Police Licensing Bureau of the Republic of Zimbabwe launched an operation on May 2, following Facebook and WhatsApp ads that promoted massages and S3xual Services. Officials acted in information and headed to a property at 158 Greendale Avenue, Harare, where one of the defendants met them at the gate and invited them inside. Inside, the officer is taken to a room and asked to choose from a group of semi-naked women. After confirming their suspicion, the officer identified himself and reminded his colleagues, resulting in the arrest of all nine suspects.
The underground nature of the “Happy Ending” business makes it a cautious and famous service in Zimbabwe, both men and women seek privately. Although this practice remains a secret, it has become a controversial topic in Zimbabwe’s informal economy.
While some citizens support police actions, others believe law enforcement should focus on addressing more important criminal activities. Critics believe that women who simply try to make a living should not be the main target of such actions.
