Tinotenda Hove – Since January, more than 70 children have been removed from the streets of Harare as government authorities step up efforts to protect minors from exploitation in the central business district and surrounding areas.

Of the total, 54 were local children – 15 girls and 39 boys – identified during operations in Harare itself. The remaining children include foreign nationals and minors from outside the city.

Epworth has emerged as the primary hotspot for street-connected children, followed by Chitungwiza. Most of the children, aged between two and 18 years, were reportedly being exploited for street begging by adults and older youths, in direct violation of national child protection laws.

Officials cite broken families, weak parental support, substance abuse, and peer influence as major factors driving children back to the streets, which complicates rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

A recent viral video showing children fighting in the CBD highlighted the added risk of drug exposure. Investigations by the Department of Social Development revealed that a 16-year-old under the influence had triggered the altercation.

The children involved were quickly removed and placed in residential care.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Permanent Secretary, Mr Simon Masanga, confirmed the ongoing challenges. “From January to date, more than 70 children have been rescued from the streets of Harare and placed in safe environments. This includes foreign nationals and children from outside Harare, while 54 local children – 15 girls and 39 boys – were specifically identified in our operations,” he said.

Mr Masanga emphasized that the Ministry collaborates closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, child protection officers, and civil society partners to dismantle networks exploiting children and ensure interventions are child-friendly.

“Children removed from the streets require long-term, multisectoral support rather than short-term placements. We are focusing on family tracing, psycho-social support, vocational training, and linkages to social protection programmes like BEAM and social cash transfers. Our goal is to provide safety, dignity, and a pathway out of poverty,” he said.

The government plans to expand street outreach, increase public awareness campaigns in hotspot areas, and implement comprehensive interventions to prevent vagrancy, street trading, and substance abuse. Authorities stress that these children should be treated as minors in need of care, not as criminals.