Government to deal harshly with prostitutes during UNWTO

GOVERNMENT would descend heavily on anyone suspected to be a prostitute in Victoria Falls during United Nations World Trade Organisation General Assembly next year.

On Monday, Tourism and Hospitality Industry permanent secretary, Sylvester Maunganidze, told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism that they are bracing for an influx of prostitutes but harsh measures would be in place.

Anyone suspected of being a prostitute would be arrested for loitering for the purposes of prostitution, he said.

"I have to admit that within Sadc we are the most conservative, hypocritical and pretentious, we therefore assume the 'hear no evil, see no evil' syndrome," Maunganidze said.

He added, "I am not saying we should do it the Hong Kong way where they actually advertise sea, sex and sand, they sell those things. I think secretary Melusi Matshiya (Home Affairs) would assist me in that area whether to legalise it or tighten security that it doesn't happen, but if you put stiffer penalties, delegates will go back angry, they will be so angry if you remove those girls from Victoria Falls."

Prostitutes would view the prestigious tourism event as a platform to cash in.

Apart from dealing with prostitutes, Maunganidze said they would instruct hotels to order Korans for Muslims.

"We have also asked hotels to order the Korans because we are going to be hosting people from different religions.

"If some of them get into the rooms and find the Holy Bible they will move out of the room after destroying the Holy book, but it is better for Christians because they are accommodative".