Five more women arrested for advertising massage & “bota” services
Five more women have been arrested for allegedly advertising massage and “bota” services on social media platforms. They are expected to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today.
The suspects — Cassandra Mavhura, Charity Makoni, Josephine Tapi, Merriam Bimha, and Shyline Sibanda — are believed to be linked to a group of nine women who were convicted and fined earlier this week for advertising massage services and sexual activities on social media.
Five more women – Cassandra Mavhura, Charity Makoni, Josephine Tapi, Merriam Bimha, and Shyline Sibanda – are set to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today. They are suspected to be part of a group of nine women who were recently convicted and fined for advertising massage… pic.twitter.com/9QCECO07jT
— The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) May 10, 2025
Police sting exposes social media ads
The arrests follow a police sting operation carried out on 2 May 2025. Authorities reportedly acted on tip-offs about WhatsApp and Facebook ads where the women promoted “massage” services that allegedly included “bota” for a fee.
An undercover officer was sent to investigate. After being directed to a bedroom, he found several of the women semi-naked. He then identified himself, prompting the police to move in and make arrests.
The first group of nine women, aged between 19 and 27, was arraigned before Magistrate Tapiwa Banda. They pleaded guilty under Section 81(b)(2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which covers soliciting for prostitution.
Each woman was fined USD 30, with a default sentence of one month in prison if unpaid.
Zimbabwe reacts to ‘bota’ arrests
The arrests have sparked mixed reactions online. Some users criticised law enforcement for going after low-level offences while alleged corruption and serious crimes remain unpunished.
“Zimbabwe ndeyekushaya for real. Mbavha murikusiya and you know them,”
— @he.just263, Instagram comment
Others focused on the treatment of the women, many of whom appeared barefoot or wearing nightgowns while being escorted to court.
“Why are they walking bare footed, why is one wearing a morning gown or half dressed?”
— @wisdomtree, Instagram comment
Some defended the women, suggesting they were just trying to survive in a tough economy.
“They r selling the only thing they have left, i am sure it’s not an easy decision to sell your body to save your body from dying,”
— @elisontakudzwa, Instagram comment
As the five new suspects head to court, authorities say investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow.
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The post WATCH: Five More Harare Women Arrested In Bota Sting Operation For Advertising Massage Services appeared first on iHarare News.
