Exploiting Children, Disabled for Begging Illegal: Police Warn
By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has given a stern warning to guardians who use children and disabled individuals to beg for money and food on the streets following a viral video on social media of children begging in the streets of Harare recently.
The disturbing viral video shows children begging near Joina City in Harare’s CBD.
ZRP National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on August 23, 2024, a joint operation between the police and Department of Social Welfare resulted in the removal of 22 children and their guardians from the streets of Harare CBD.
The operation targeted areas such as Rezende Street, Joina City and Town House, where begging has become a persistent problem in the Zimbabwe capital.
Commissioner Nyathi said using children and disabled individuals to beg violates the country’s laws protecting children.
“Guardians are implored not to use children and the disabled to beg for money and food in the streets as they risk arrest for violating the country’s laws protecting children,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
