MPs bemoan rife prostitution

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
MEMBERS of Parliament have expressed concern over the alleged increase in prostitution both in urban and rural areas.

In a motion before the National Assembly, the lawmakers said they were concerned by the increasing number of “beggars, street kids, street mothers, fathers and youths” at road intersections and pavements in urban areas.

They also said they were disturbed by the wanton abuse of alcohol and other intoxicants by the younger generation.

The motion, which is yet to be adopted, was moved by Buhera Central MP, Ronald Muderedzwa (Zanu-PF) and seconded by Uzumba MP, Cde Simbaneuta Mudarikwa (Zanu-PF).

Cde Mudarikwa told The Chronicle the motion would be moved again next week.

He said society must come up with ways of rehabilitating youths.

“The management of our youths has gone out of hand, we need to do something for them,” said Cde Mudarikwa.

In the motion, legislators said the government has a Constitutional duty to look after the poor and the weak.

“Alarmed by the increasing levels of prostitution in both urban areas and growth points around the country;” reads part of the motion.

“Now therefore calls upon the Executive to; Repeal such laws as the Vagrancy Act that are alien to safeguarding the interests of the poor and the weak; Introduce laws that are amenable to upholding human rights and dignity of the underprivileged; Effectively play a paternal role to such vulnerable groups in line with its constitutional obligations; Engage the services of the abundant pool of social workers from the institutions of higher learning in order to promote reformation and rehabilitation of social misfits for the common good.”

In May, the Constitutional Court outlawed the arrest of women on charges of soliciting for sex in the absence of men confirming they were offered the services for a fee.

Women had for long been apprehended in various police operations and charged with loitering for the purposes of prostitution.

Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba, sitting with eight other judges of the Constitutional Court, declared the arrest and prosecution unconstitutional.