News / Regional
Matabeleland North police on a campaign to stamp out prostitution
13 Dec 2011 at 20:54hrs | Views
Matabeleland North police have reportedly launched an operation against commercial sex workers in the mining community of Inyathi in a bid to stamp out prostitution during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The operation has, however, sparked outrage among residents, especially businesspeople who said police were harassing innocent people.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North province Sergeant Eglon Nkala could not confirm the arrests but said they would look into the issue.
The businesspeople said they were losing business because people were now retreating to their homes early in fear of being arrested at night.
They alleged police had literally put a curfew against women in the area.
Inyathi, situated about 70km along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Highway, is usually a hive of activity because of panners and informal traders who temporarily camp in the area.
Those spoken to alleged police were arresting every woman they found walking at night and had also invaded some houses they suspected to be habitats for prostitutes and arrested every woman they found sleeping in the house.
Some people told Chronicle recently that they were now living in fear of the police.
"We want to lodge a complaint of harassment in our business premises against police in Inyathi. They are arresting women in the area whether in shops or when they find them sleeping at home and they say they are being charged with loitering for purposes of prostitution," said one businessman who visited Chronicle newsroom.
He had receipts for admission of guilt fines paid by his daughter and a customer who had been arrested while in his shop recently. Those who have been picked pay about $10 fine.
"The police are now invading our privacy because they just come at night and open our rooms saying they are looking for prostitutes. If they find a woman alone they immediately arrest her even though she would be sleeping," said the businessman.
Another source who phoned the newsroom yesterday said they had informed the local leadership but were worried the trend was continuing.
"We once informed Bubi MP, Clifford Sibanda, and the district administrator but the police seem to be continuing with this. That is why we have thought of informing you so that you assist us," said the female caller, who refused to be named.
Another source said the community wants the operation to be stopped as it was in violation of their rights.
"All we are asking for is that this should be stopped. Is it right for our customers to be rounded up in shops before we even close for the night?
"There are many people who have been victimised and we are just telling you about the few cases we know," said another source.
The operation has, however, sparked outrage among residents, especially businesspeople who said police were harassing innocent people.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North province Sergeant Eglon Nkala could not confirm the arrests but said they would look into the issue.
The businesspeople said they were losing business because people were now retreating to their homes early in fear of being arrested at night.
They alleged police had literally put a curfew against women in the area.
Inyathi, situated about 70km along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Highway, is usually a hive of activity because of panners and informal traders who temporarily camp in the area.
Those spoken to alleged police were arresting every woman they found walking at night and had also invaded some houses they suspected to be habitats for prostitutes and arrested every woman they found sleeping in the house.
Some people told Chronicle recently that they were now living in fear of the police.
"We want to lodge a complaint of harassment in our business premises against police in Inyathi. They are arresting women in the area whether in shops or when they find them sleeping at home and they say they are being charged with loitering for purposes of prostitution," said one businessman who visited Chronicle newsroom.
He had receipts for admission of guilt fines paid by his daughter and a customer who had been arrested while in his shop recently. Those who have been picked pay about $10 fine.
"The police are now invading our privacy because they just come at night and open our rooms saying they are looking for prostitutes. If they find a woman alone they immediately arrest her even though she would be sleeping," said the businessman.
Another source who phoned the newsroom yesterday said they had informed the local leadership but were worried the trend was continuing.
"We once informed Bubi MP, Clifford Sibanda, and the district administrator but the police seem to be continuing with this. That is why we have thought of informing you so that you assist us," said the female caller, who refused to be named.
Another source said the community wants the operation to be stopped as it was in violation of their rights.
"All we are asking for is that this should be stopped. Is it right for our customers to be rounded up in shops before we even close for the night?
"There are many people who have been victimised and we are just telling you about the few cases we know," said another source.
Source - Chronicle
