Tshwane clamps down on Zimbabwean women exploiting children for begging at intersections

Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya has announced a crackdown on women who exploit children for begging at traffic intersections, a practice that has drawn widespread criticism.

Dr. Moya took to Twitter to share the initiative spearheaded by the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD). In her post, she stated:

"One by one 🙏. The @TMPDSafety has begun addressing the long-standing issue of illegal use of our intersections, including tackling women who exploit children for begging and other illicit activities. Happy and productive week, Jacaranda City ❤️ @CityTshwane."

This announcement follows years of complaints from South Africans about foreign nationals exploiting intersections in cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg. These women, primarily from Zimbabwe, are accused of using children to garner sympathy and beg for money from motorists.

Residents have expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting that children involved in begging often miss school and are exposed to dangerous environments. According to critics, these activities are part of a larger syndicate that uses children as tools to solicit funds from road users.

South Africans have voiced anger over what they perceive as unchecked migration fueling these practices. Many argue that foreign nationals crossing borders to engage in such activities are exploiting South Africa's resources and infrastructure.

As reported by Dr Moya, law enforcement has begun addressing these concerns with a dedicated focus on ensuring children's safety and curbing illegal activities at intersections.

This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing a deeply rooted issue in urban areas across South Africa.