Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]
PLUMTREE residents have expressed growing concern over the increasing prevalence of child prostitution, as well as the mushrooming of brothels and cases of drug and substance abuse in the border town.
The disturbing trend is exposing young girls to sexual exploitation and violence, prompting calls for urgent intervention from authorities and community leaders.
The concerns emerged during a community engagement meeting jointly convened by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) at the Methodist Church in Dingumuzi suburb in the border town.
Residents who attended the meeting said the issue was no longer a distant social problem, but a harsh reality unfolding within their communities.
“We are losing our children right before our eyes. Some of these girls are supposed to be in school, but instead they are being lured into prostitution. Brothels have become common in Dingumuzi and some are operating openly,” said
Ms w, chairperson of the Plumtree Action Committee.
She said the community was increasingly worried about the future of its children. Her concerns come barely two weeks after police raided and shut down an alleged brothel in Mathendele Township, leading to two minors being placed under the care of the Department of Social Development.
The operation followed complaints from Ward 1 residents who said the house had become a source of disturbance within the neighbourhood. Police reportedly found 15 teenagers aged between 14 and 19 operating from an unoccupied house.
Seven girls were arrested during the raid while several others escaped. Authorities later confirmed that two of those involved were minors, with the rest being adults.
Police have since handed over responsibility for the minors to social welfare services. Officer Commanding Plumtree Urban Police, Chief Inspector George Milisi, said minors could not be detained in police cells.
“We only keep criminals in cells, so with this case we cannot keep minors in our cells. The case is now fully handled by the DSD (Development Social Department). However, we will continue to engage DSD for detailed updates on this matter,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Christopher Nyathi, said poverty, unemployment and family breakdowns were driving many young girls into risky situations.
“Many parents are struggling to provide basic necessities. Unscrupulous people are taking advantage of that vulnerability. We need urgent intervention from authorities before the situation gets completely out of hand. We also got reports of a certain woman who is abusing small girls under the guise of taking care of them yet she will be linking them to truck drivers and this is quite disturbing.”
Another resident, Ms Nomsa Ncube, said she frequently sees teenage girls roaming the streets late at night in the company of older men.
“It breaks my heart because some of these children are younger than my own daughter. They are exposed to dangerous situations. Some disappear from home for days and return with money, but nobody seems to ask where it is coming from,” she said.
Residents said the proliferation of brothels had created fertile ground for child exploitation.
“We know the places where these activities are taking place. The problem is that some operators seem untouchable. The community wants action.”
Mr Mthokozisi Dube, a father of three, said the growing vice was fuelling school dropouts and criminal activities.
“Our children are growing up believing that prostitution is a quick way to earn money. This is destroying the values that we used to uphold as a community.
“We need law enforcement agencies to work closely with residents to stop this trend,” he said.
Another resident, Ms Princess Mpofu, expressed concern over the health risks associated with prostitution.
“We are worried about sexually transmitted infections, drug abuse and unwanted pregnancies. These girls are victims and they need protection, counselling and opportunities to return to school,” she said.
Several residents also accused some landlords of converting residential properties into brothels, saying the establishments often operate throughout the night and expose children to inappropriate behaviour.
Addressing the gathering, ZHRC coordinator for Bulawayo, Midlands and Matabeleland South provinces, Mr Alondoloziwe Sitsha, said the concerns raised by residents pointed to serious human rights issues requiring urgent attention from various stakeholders.
“Children have a right to protection from all forms of abuse, exploitation and harmful practices. What we are hearing today is deeply concerning and calls for collective action by communities, law enforcement agencies, local authorities and social welfare departments,” he said.
Mr Sitsha said as ZHRC their role was to act as a bridge between communities and Government. He urged residents to continue reporting cases of child exploitation and gender-based violence, stressing that communities play a critical role in protecting vulnerable children.
“No child should be forced by poverty or circumstance into situations that compromise their dignity and future.
“We must all work together to create a safe environment where children can thrive,” said Mr Sitsha.
Officials from ZimRights echoed similar sentiments, urging residents to strengthen community protection mechanisms and speak out against practices that violate children’s rights.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by human rights organisations to promote community awareness on children’s rights, gender equality and protection from exploitation.
