A Mbare man Phaeton Mutiyaya who gained notoriety for selling alcohol to 10 children, aged between 5 and 11, during the festive season found himself behind bars yesterday, sentenced to two years in jail.
Phaeton Mutiyaya, 23, stood before Mbare magistrate Batanai Madzingira facing charges of selling liquor to minors, operating without a liquor license, and lacking a shop license.
Prosecutor Janet Mlambo presented compelling evidence to the court, establishing Mutiyaya as the individual who facilitated the sale of alcohol to the children. The incident garnered widespread attention on social media as images circulated of the children holding alcohol and some visibly intoxicated.
The public outcry prompted a swift police investigation, leading to Mutiyaya’s arrest.
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For the offense of selling liquor to minors, Mutiyaya received a 12-month prison sentence. An additional 12-month sentence was imposed for selling liquor without the requisite license, resulting in a cumulative two-year term.
Furthermore, Mutiyaya was given a four-month sentence for operating without a shop license, with the provision that it be suspended for five years, contingent upon his future good conduct upon release.
In addition, another four-month sentence was issued, entirely suspended for the next five years, conditioned upon Mutiyaya’s adherence to good behavior, pertaining to the operation without a shop license.
