Of massage parlours doubling up as sex dens

Despite tougher measures put in place by Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli’s government to curb inadmissible acts in the country, it has emerged that some business ventures still disguise under the umbrella of offering legal services to do the unacceptable.

One such kind of a venture are massage parlours in the country that offer more than just the rub.

Massage facilities situated in Sinza, Kinondoni, Mikocheni and Makumbusho areas in Dar es Salaam are notorious for offering sex services to clients – a frill that is not part of their legal service provision.

An expose published on Tanzania’s Global Publishers on January 15th says that most women working for massage salons in those areas engage in sex trade.

One of the sources for the outlet disguised as a massage customer and inquired if he could get sex services from women in a Sinza Palestina Parlour.

“You sure can anko (uncle). We offer all services here. For massage services, you pay Tsh 60, 000 (Ksh 2,800) at the reception. For sex services, you pay me in the lodging. It’s now upon you,” said the parlour attendant.

The source encountered similar experience in other massage parlours in Mlimani City, Mikocheni and Makumbusho where sex services are first paid for before being offered.

Some massage facilities even had mini-pubs that stock alcohol products.

Zahoro Rashid, the officer in charge of Trade Affairs in Kinondoni Municipality, was shocked by the revelation.

“It is against the law for massage parlours to offer sex services to clients. If we catch up with business owners who engage in such trade, we will revoke their licenses and charge them in court. The current government is very efficient; if they were used to doing that in previous administrations, let them know that their days are numbered,” said Mr Rashid.

Massage parlours offering sex services are not only unique to Tanzania. In Kenya, the practice is quickly gaining prominence.

According to a source who spoke to Citizen Digital on condition of anonymity, said he once encountered similar experience in a massage salon in Ngara, Nairobi.

“I had gone to the massage facility to relax my body after a long day at work; the exercise began well, but as the lady went about her work, she rubbed and touched my ears and neck in a rather sensual way; when I asked her why she was doing that, she said they offer ‘other’ services too. When I probed further, she bluntly said: we also offer sex services; you can go for a session with me,” recounted the source.

Nairobi County bylaws prohibit operating such businesses which are considered illegal.

“No person shall engage in any business at any premises within the jurisdiction of the Council unless such premises are permitted for the purpose,” reads a Nairobi County bylaw.