Nine Women Arrested in Harare for Offering Sexual Services Under the Guise of Massages
Nine Zimbabwean women, including four teenagers, have been arrested in Harare for allegedly offering sexual services disguised as massage therapy, in violation of the country’s criminal laws.
According to authorities, the women were advertising "massage and bota services"—a euphemism for sexual acts, including so-called "happy endings"—via social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. Law enforcement officials from the Zimbabwe Republic Police conducted a sting operation after coming across one such advertisement offering a massage session with additional sexual services for $20.
During the operation, undercover officers posed as clients and visited a property located at 158 Greendale Avenue, Harare. Upon entry, they were met at the gate and led inside by one of the suspects. They were then shown into a room where they were allegedly invited to select a service from a group of semi-nude women. Once the officers confirmed their suspicions, they identified themselves and called for backup, resulting in the arrest of all nine women.
The accused—Natasha Makowe (18), Annie Mandaza (27), Ashley Nyamutsaka (21), Nyasha Mungate (19), Gamuchirai Dzvukutu (24), Ellen Chihota (20), Miola Manyange (19), Euno Chiwara (24), and Mukhtar Banda (19)—were charged under Section 81(b)(2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalizes soliciting for prostitution.
They appeared before Magistrate Tapiwa Banda but were not asked to enter pleas. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, for bail consideration. All suspects remain in police custody until then.
Prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira, representing the State, stated that the women had been running the operation for some time and that the arrests are part of a broader crackdown on illegal sex work operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.
The incident has sparked debate in the community. While some applaud the police for upholding public morality, others argue that attention should be given to more pressing criminal activities and social reforms, suggesting that the women may be victims of economic hardship rather than willful lawbreakers.
