The Zimbabwe Republic Police recently uncovered a WhatsApp group called “Private Lounge” with over 1,000 members, allegedly promoting gay relationships . This discovery was made after arresting a 25-year-old man from Highfield and a teenage boy from Glen Norah B Extension, suspected of being in a same-sex relationship. They met through the group, where the teenager had introduced himself and sought a partner .
Their relationship began in January 2024 and escalated in May when the teenager visited the man’s residence . The affair was exposed when the teenager’s father found love messages on his son’s phone and blocked the man’s number . However, the man tried reconnecting with the boy using his mother’s phone number on October 7, 2024, prompting the father to report to the police .
Police arrested the 25-year-old man, while the teenager was released to his parents as investigations continue .National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests, stating they’ve uncovered a gay and homosexual WhatsApp group with over 1,000 participants meeting in various Harare locations .
This case has sparked attention due to Zimbabwe’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues, with authorities probing the group and its members .
