Harare police round up over 100 street dwellers in CBD operation

Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

OVER 100 street dwellers have been rounded up by the Harare Metropolitan Police in an intensive early morning operation aimed at restoring decorum and sanity to the Central Business District (CBD).

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 has confirmed that all minors caught in the swoop will be placed in registered care facilities.

The crackdown follows a public outcry as the CBD has been overrun by a group of rowdy street kids who have turned parts of the city into “no-go zones”.

NEW: Over 100 Harare street dwellers moved to care facilities

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,” read 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),” an official said.