ZIMSPHERE
HARARE – A Mbare shebeen operator, Phaeton Mutiyaya (23), was sentenced to two years in prison for selling alcohol to minors and operating without the necessary licenses.
Mutiyaya was charged with selling alcohol to 10 children aged between 5 and 11 during the festive season, an incident that sparked public outrage after a viral video of the intoxicated children circulated on social media.
The prosecutor, Janet Mlambo, successfully proved in court that Mutiyaya was responsible for the illegal sale.
In addition to the two-year sentence for selling alcohol to minors and operating without a liquor license, Mutiyaya received a four-month sentence for operating without a shop license.
However, this term was suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour upon his release.
“Phaeton Mutiyaya (23) who sold alcohol to 10 minors aged between five and 11 over the festive season was sentenced this afternoon at Mbare Magistrates court,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.
“He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for selling liquor to minors and another 12 months for selling liquor without a license. Four months for operating without a shop license where wholly suspended for five years. He will serve 24 months effectively.”
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