Zimbabwe police harassing women at nightspots

As from last week, Zimbabwe police are said to have been rounding up women at nightspots, mostly at the Kopje area using trucks and vicious police dogs.

Those found are whisked to Harare Central Police Station for 'detention.'

However, Harare police spokesperson James Sabau denied that his colleagues are harassing female drinkers.

"That they entered we do not know, they should see the officer commanding Harare Central District and file complaints," he said.

The crack down has been condemned by activists and female journalists.

Wrote Koliwe Nyoni Majama, a journalist now currently with MISA "And now this ban of women in bars after 2100hrs in Harare as a way of 'curbing' the alleged rise in prostitution in the city!!! Only a week ago we were being told not to bath and look pretty because we tempt men and spread HIV...Who is being protected here? Feminist daggers should be drawn now or never!."

Former ZBC reporter Zvikomborero Sibanda-East said "It doesn't look like we need any feminist daggers in this one; looks like the men have their guns blazing on this one.......but seriously who in their right mind comes up with such laws."

Betty Makoni of Child Network Worldwide said "there is no woman here in this world that is foolish to leave her good home and scout for money in pubs.

"I call upon all women leaders in Zimbabwe to convene a meeting to give urgent thought to this issue," said Makoni.