Municipal police officers, led by Chief Superintendent Mhizha, conducted an operation in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) targeting street children and their guardians, citing growing concerns over crime and harassment in the city.
“The street kids are becoming a menace in the city, harassing residents and stealing from them,” said the city council, highlighting increasing public frustration over the presence of children on the streets.
The operation comes amid reports of street children engaging in criminal activities, further compounding worries about safety in the capital. In August 2024, police had previously rounded up 22 children who were begging in the city and handed them over to the Department of Social Welfare.
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The latest crackdown was prompted by a viral social media post showing children soliciting money outside Joina City mall, sparking public outrage and prompting authorities to act. Police officials reported that the operation also targeted guardians who were exploiting children and, in some cases, disabled individuals to collect donations.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated, “On August 23, police in Harare, in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare, carried out an operation in the streets of Harare, removing children and their guardians who were begging for food.”
The surge in street begging is linked to growing poverty across Zimbabwe and a lack of sufficient government support for vulnerable groups, including children and the disabled.
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