Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
OVER 100 street dwellers were rounded up on Tuesday by the Harare Metropolitan Police in an intensive early morning operation aimed at restoring decorum and sanity in the central business district.
The operation, which targeted various street colonies, involved both adults and minors.
According to the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, the exercise was necessitated by the rising threat to public health and safety.
The Government confirmed that all minors caught in the sweep will be placed in registered care facilities.
The crackdown follows a public outcry as the CBD had been overrun by a group of rowdy street kids who had turned parts of the city into “no-go zones.” The group has been terrorising residents, brazenly snatching wigs, jewellery, cell phones, food, and purses from unsuspecting members of the public.
“Yesterday, Harare Metropolitan Police conducted an early morning operation, rounding up over 100 street dwellers as part of efforts to restore order in the CBD,” reads part of the statement.
“The exercise included adults and minors, with children set to be placed in registered care facilities.”
The ministry expressed deep concern over the prevalence of drug abuse and the poor sanitation associated with the illegal settlements.
“There is an urgent need for detoxification, stronger by-law enforcement, and the establishment of dedicated rehabilitation centres (to ensure these individuals do not return to the streets).”
These youngsters, who seem to be 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 some snatch handbags, the youngest ones, ranging from 5 to 10 years, have turned to aggressive begging, grasping people’s legs with both hands and refusing to release their grip until they receive money or food.
