Online Reporter
The Herald, 24 August 1988
YOUNG girls below the legal age of majority going to the cinema or a restaurant in central Harare early on a recent Saturday evening were among those arrested in a police swoop supposedly aimed at curbing prostitution.
The girls, like the others illegally arrested in the early evening swoops, were only released when they paid $30 deposit fines and signed the forms presented to them by police officers in which they admitted to loitering in a public place for the purposes of prostitution.
They were invited to sign even though, as a senior police officer confirmed yesterday, no-one under the age of 18 can legally sign such a form, nor get their parent or guardian to sign on their behalf. The admission of guilt forms has a space for the date of birth so the age of the arrested girl would be known.
It is understood that the parents of some of the teenagers arrested are considering legal action against the police, as are some of the adults arrested.
At least one foreign embassy, after carefully checking out the credibility of a complaint lodged by one of its nationals, a 17-year-old schoolgirl visiting Zimbabwe as a tourist, is taking up the matter with the Zimbabwean authorities.
One outraged parent has given The Herald a copy of the form his schoolgirl daughter, aged 14, signed to gain her release. Prominent on the form is her date of birth (February 15 1974).
Although a schoolgirl and only 14 she was classified as “unemployed”. The form states she was arrested by Constable Bukutu (who signed the form with Patrol Officer Paul) at 8.10 pm on the corner of Baker Avenue and Angwa Street on Saturday August 13, the Saturday after the two Heroes’ Days holidays.
This intersection is close to four cinemas, a late-closing pharmacy, several restaurants and snack bars and on a non-holiday Saturday evening is, at 8 pm, one of the liveliest places in Harare with many people, especially young people, out for an innocent evening at the cinema.
Lessons for today
- This article is a powerful reminder about justice, due process, protection of children, and the dangers of stereotyping. It is alleged that schoolgirls and other innocent people were arrested and asked to admit guilt for an offence they had not committed. Some of those detained were under 18, including a 14-year-old schoolgirl.
- The girls were reportedly in a busy city area near cinemas, restaurants, and shops, places where many young people spend leisure time.
- The report raises concern about individuals being encouraged to sign admissions of guilt despite questions about the legality of doing so.
- The police operation was aimed at addressing prostitution, a legitimate law-enforcement concern. Professionalism and adherence to legal standards are essential in all public service roles. Human rights matter for everyone. Regardless of age, gender, nationality, or social status, every person deserves fair treatment under the law.
- The pursuit of law and order must always be balanced with respect for individual rights, fairness, and due process.
