Women Applaud Harare Council Crackdown on Street Children

Women in Harare have welcomed the city council’s crackdown on street children in the CBD, citing reduced harassment and theft (image source)

HARARE — Harare City Council’s operation to remove children living on the streets from the central business district (CBD) has been welcomed by many women, who say they have long borne the brunt of harassment, aggressive begging and petty crime.

The city confirmed the operation on Tuesday, saying municipal police officers led by Chief Superintendent Mhizha rounded up street children who had become increasingly visible and disruptive in the CBD. Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama said the operation was prompted by rising complaints from residents and businesses.

“Municipal police officers led by Chief Superintendent Mhizha rounded up street kids in the Central Business District,” Gama said. “The street kids are becoming a menace in the city, harassing residents and stealing from them. They have also become notorious for committing horrendous crimes.”

Gama said those apprehended were handed over to the police, although he did not disclose the number involved or outline the next steps in terms of rehabilitation or social welfare interventions.

Women in particular welcomed the crackdown, saying street children—whose ages they estimate range from as young as five to about 20—have created an atmosphere of fear in parts of the CBD. Victims reported incidents of cellphone snatching, theft of handbags and food, and aggressive targeting of women’s accessories such as wigs and jewellery.

Vimbai Gwesu (17), from Warren Park, said she has repeatedly fallen victim to theft. “I lost almost three frontal wigs to these street kids; they just snatch and flee,” she said. “The combined value was about US$150, considering each wig costs around US$50.”

Another victim, Tanaka, who declined to give her surname, said her headphones were stolen at the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Chinhoyi Street. “The guy came from behind and just grabbed them. I screamed, but nobody came to help,” she said, adding that the council’s intervention was long overdue.

Despite the support, residents cautioned that a one-off operation would not be sufficient to address what they described as a deeply entrenched problem. Chiyedza Zvikaramba called for sustained enforcement. “The blitz on street kids should be done regularly. They disappear for a few days, but they always come back. These operations should be done almost every week,” she said.

Another resident, who requested anonymity, noted that many incidents occur close to Town House. “It’s sad that these street kids roam around the Town House boundary, where city officials can actually see them from their offices. But this is a good start,” the resident said.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to receive a formal report on the operation. Africa Unity Square, Harare Gardens and areas surrounding Town House remain among the hotspots most frequently cited by residents as requiring sustained intervention.