Guruve sex workers lament rising violence from clients

GURUVE – Commercial sex workers in Guruve have raised alarm over increasing incidents of violence at the hands of clients, with some women left seriously injured following encounters.

Speaking to Bulawayo24.com, one sex worker, Ruth Mugawu (not her real name), recounted a harrowing experience in which she was attacked with a sharp object after a short-time session with a client.

“I hooked a client at a nightclub last night. He said he had $3 for short time, and I told him to add more. We finally agreed on $4,” Mugawu said. “After the act, he assaulted me and cut me with a sharp object.”

She was treated at Guruve Hospital and has since recovered, but she urged fellow sex workers to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar clients. “Some clients are now dangerous. We need to be careful,” she said.

It is further alleged that another sex worker was injured the same night after being driven to an unknown location by a potential client. The incident has heightened fears among sex workers, many of whom are reluctant to report such cases to the police due to stigma and fear of reprisal.

Community advocates say the violence underscores the urgent need for protection mechanisms and safe reporting channels for vulnerable groups, including sex workers.