Vongai Masuka

A 23-year-old Harare woman appeared at Harare Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of running a brothel disguised as a massage parlour. This adds to the growing number of such brothels that are operating in town.

Tanaka Mushambi, a self-employed woman from Mandara, is accused of unlawfully converting a property at 817 Grosvenor Road, Highlands, into a hub for female sex workers.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the matter came to light on August 19, 2025, after a 14-year-old juvenile allegedly engaged one of the women operating at the premises.

“The state alleges that between June and August 2025 the accused unlawfully converted a property at 817 Grosvenor Road, Highlands into a brothel under the guise of a massage parlor.

The premises reportedly become a hub where female sex workers were hired to engage male clients for payment or reward.” Reads the statement.

“The matter came to light on the 19th of August 2025 after a 14 year old juvenile reportedly engaged one of the women operating at the premises through an online platform.

The encounter which involved payment in the form of groceries was reported to the police leading to the arrest of the woman involved whose trial is pending at the harare Magistrates Court.” Reads the statement.

The arrest follows a similar case just four months ago, when a Harare court fined five women for operating a brothel disguised as a massage parlour.

According to court documents, an encounter at the premises involving payment in the form of groceries led to a police report and subsequent arrest. Mushambi was apprehended for allegedly facilitating prostitution and was denied bail, as investigations are ongoing.