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Crime Reporter
At least 22 street children and their guardians have been rounded up following a video that was circulated on social media showing some of them begging in the CBD.
This prompted the police and the Department of Social Welfare, to conduct an operation to take them off the streets.
Those who were rounded up were taken to the department. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the crackdown was continuing until there is sanity in and around the city.
“Reference is made to a video that went viral on social media platforms in which children are seen begging for money near Joina City, Harare CBD,” he said.
“On August 23, 2024, police in Harare, in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare, carried out an operation in Harare’s CBD removing children and their guardians who were begging for food, particularly along Rezende Street, Joina City and Town House areas.
“As a result, 22 children and their guardians were handed over to the Department of Social Welfare. Guardians are implored not to use children and the disabled to beg for money and food in the streets as they risk arrest for violating the country’s laws protecting children.”
The development comes after reports of a group of rowdy street kids who are snatching wigs, jewellery, cell phones, food, purses, and other valuables from unsuspecting people, particularly women and schoolchildren.
These youngsters, who are between 10 and 20 years old, are reportedly working with vendors, who collude with them to steal people’s valuables in exchange for a share of the spoils.
While the older street kids were snatching handbags, the younger ones, between 5 to 10 years, had turned to aggressive begging, holding on to people’s legs with both hands and refusing to release their grip until they receive money or food.
The Herald established that Harare’s Africa Unity Square had also been invaded by street kids.
Similarly, Harare Gardens has also fallen victim to the street kids, who have commandeered the entire southern stretch along Julius Nyerere Way, from Crown Plaza to the National Arts Gallery, preying on women especially those walking alone.
Online Reporter