Chitungwiza Council Orders Removal Of Illegal Snooker Tables Within Seven Days

Chitungwiza Municipality has ordered all operators of pool tables at unauthorised sites to remove them, along with any associated illegal structures, within seven working days.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, 16 June, acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso said the local authority was gravely concerned by the proliferation of pool tables at undesignated locations, including residential areas, overnight parking sites, tuckshops, shebeens, road servitudes and public transport termini.

“The Municipality has received reports that some of these facilities are being used as centres for drug dealing and substance abuse activities, particularly among young people. Such activities pose a threat to public safety, community well-being and the future of our youth,” Nemuseso said.

“In the interest of protecting communities and promoting a safe and orderly environment, Chitungwiza Municipality hereby directs all operators of pool tables located at unauthorised sites to remove them, together with any related illegal structures, within seven (7) working days from the date of this notice.”

He added that failure to comply with the directive would result in the municipality confiscating the pool tables and taking any other enforcement action permitted by law.

The municipality will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance, said Nemuseso.

“Furthermore, Chitungwiza Municipality has directed all district offices to immediately cease issuing permits relating to pool tables pending a review of existing permits,” he said.

“As part of broader efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, the Municipality is advancing plans to establish a day-care rehabilitation centre at Utano in Zengeza 4 and a 24-hour rehabilitation centre at Tatenda Tavern.

“These facilities are intended to provide treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration support to individuals affected by drug and substance abuse, particularly young people.”

Chitungwiza residents have been urged to support these initiatives by reporting any illegal activities involving drug and substance abuse to the relevant authorities, and by taking an active part in community efforts to protect and empower young people.

The directive follows a resolution adopted at the 508th Ordinary Council Meeting of the Municipality of Chitungwiza, held on Monday, 15 June 2026.