A recent police operation has led to the discovery of a 1,000-member gay syndicate operating in Harare, Zimbabwe. The syndicate, linked to a WhatsApp platform called “Private Lounge,” was uncovered following the arrest of a 25-year-old man and a teenager allegedly engaged in a gay relationship.
According to National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the 25-year-old man has been detained, while the teenager has been released into the custody of his parents. The investigation is ongoing, with police working to identify other members of the syndicate. Gay relationships are illegal in Zimbabwe, with the Criminal Law Act of 2006 imposing penalties for engaging in same-sex activities.
The discovery has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Zimbabwe. Local organizations, such as Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), have been working to promote the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people in the country.
