Victoria Falls police crack down on sex solicitation

POLICE in Victoria Falls have intensified their crackdown on individuals blocking pavements and soliciting for sex in public spaces, with two women appearing before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court this week.

Sichelesile Ncube (36) and Zanele Wakatama (33) were arrested separately on 11 July 2026, at Chinotimba Rank for unlawfully blocking pavements by soliciting for sex, thereby disturbing the free movement of people in the streets.

The two were charged with contravening Section 46 as read with Section 46(1) of the Third Schedule of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

Both women pleaded guilty to the charges and were each fined US$150 or alternatively sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

Prosecutor, Mrs Portia Moyo, outlined the State’s case, saying that on the day in question, police officers on patrol spotted the accused persons blocking the pavement while soliciting for sex.

“The complainant is the State, being represented by a police officer stationed at ZRP Victoria Falls. On the 11th of July 2026 at around 11PM, the complainant and colleagues were on patrol at Chinotimba Rank. While there, they spotted the accused persons blocking the pavement by soliciting sex, thereby disturbing free movement of people,” said Mrs Moyo.

She added that both accused persons were subsequently arrested and acted unlawfully in contravention of the law.
The crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to restore order in the city’s public spaces.

Similar operations have been conducted in other cities across the country targeting individuals who obstruct free passage along streets and pavements.

In a separate incident, Nkosi Siwela (33) has been dragged to court for theft for allegedly stealing a pool stick and two pool balls from a nightclub in Chinotimba.

The court heard that on 18 July 2026, around 1AM, the complainant Jacqueline Munenekwa had left the nightclub and proceeded home, leaving the bar lady and security guard on duty.

“The complainant received a message from the security guard that the accused person had stolen a pool stick and two pool balls and went away with the property. On the 20th of July 2026 at around 11PM, the accused person came back and the bar lady who was alert notified the complainant, who immediately made a report to police leading to the arrest of the accused and recovery of the stolen property,” Mrs Moyo said.

The value of the stolen property is US$37 and all items were recovered.
Siwela faces a charge of theft as defined in Section 113(1) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23.

Police have warned members of the public that obstructing free passage in public spaces is a criminal offence and urged citizens to respect the law.