Nine Zimbabwean women have been arrested in Harare for allegedly promoting massage and “bota” services—commonly referred to as “happy endings”—in violation of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Reports suggest they were offering sexual services for an extra fee during massage sessions, a trend reportedly growing in some of Harare’s massage parlours to attract more clients.
Among the arrested were four teenagers. They now face charges of soliciting for prostitution after allegedly advertising massage and sexual services on social media. A police sting operation led to their arrest, with officers posing as clients responding to an online ad offering US\$20 massage sessions that included additional sexual services.
The women—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)—appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Banda but did not enter a plea. They are charged under Section 81(b)(2) of the Act, which prohibits soliciting for prostitution. Their bail hearing has been postponed to Tuesday, May 6, and they remain in custody.
According to prosecutor Mandirasa Chigumira, officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Licence Inspectorate launched the sting on May 2 after discovering Facebook and WhatsApp ads promoting the services. At 158 Greendale Avenue, officers were invited into the property by one of the suspects and taken to a room where they were asked to choose from a group of semi-nude women. Once the setup was confirmed, arrests were made.
Though discreet, the offering of “happy endings” has become a well-known underground service in Zimbabwe. While some support the police action, others believe authorities should focus on more pressing crimes and argue that the women involved are just trying to make a living.
