Over 100 street dwellers removed in Harare sweep

More than 100 street dwellers were taken into care facilities following an early morning operation conducted by municipal police in Harare on Tuesday.

The operation, which targeted individuals living in the Central Business District (CBD), forms part of ongoing efforts by local authorities to restore order in the city centre.

According to the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, the sweep involved both adults and minors.

"Yesterday, Harare Metropolitan police conducted an early morning operation, rounding up over 100 street dwellers as part of efforts to restore order in the CBD," the ministry said in a statement.

"The exercise included adults and minors, with children set to be placed in registered care facilities."

Authorities said the move was prompted by growing concerns over drug abuse among street dwellers, as well as increasing public health and safety risks.

"Authorities raised concern over drug abuse and growing public health risks such as poor sanitation and theft," the statement added.

Officials also highlighted the need for detoxification programmes, stricter enforcement of municipal by-laws, and the establishment of dedicated rehabilitation centres to address the root causes of life on the streets.

The latest operation is part of a broader strategy by city authorities to tackle urban challenges in Harare's CBD, including homelessness, substance abuse and sanitation issues.