POLICE on Thursday evening arrested 36 sex workers under operation “No to Loitering” which was launched on Thursday, sparking uproar from rights groups.
Report by Feluna Nleya
Harare provincial spokesperson Tadius Chibanda said the operation had been motivated by a public outcry over the menace posed by “ladies of the night”.
“We arrested 36 prostitutes yesterday (Thursday) under the operation “No to Loitering” after a public outcry that there were prostitutes who were all over in the avenues, seducing men and we also observed that it was true so we had to act,” said Chibanda.
However women’s groups yesterday attacked the police action saying it was discriminatory to arrest women only as the act involved two parties.
“I don’t think it’s fair that they arrest women only,” said Rita Nyamupinga Director at Female Prison Support Trust. “It takes two to tango, the men should also be exposed because they are the ones who go and pick up the women from the streets. If there were no customers they were not going to be in the streets, but because there are customers who pick them they continue being on the streets,” she said.
“I am not supporting prostitution but if you want to get rid of it both parties have to be arrested.”
Musasa Project Director Netty Musanhu echoed the same sentiments. “Why are they arresting the prostitutes only and not the customers. This (sex) is done by two people,” said Musanhu.
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“Our concern is that they round up everyone who is just walking in the street hence infringing on women’s right to movement.”
