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Police Clampdown on Women
This current Operation, also dubbed "Operation Mai Ngwenya" is not a new phenomenon though. The ZRP has a history of carrying out various sting operations , rounding up and arresting women patronising bars and clubs as well as walking in the streets, accusing them of contravening Section 8 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Law) Act, Chapter 9:23 :loitering for the purpose of prostitution. -
Operation Chinyavada/ Scorpion
The operation was launched in 1983 and was purportedly meant to rid the capital, Harare, of its prostitutes. Hundreds of women found walking on the streets after 6 pm, were taken to detention centres. According to the State, every unaccompanied woman was a prostitute. In Mutare, 200 women factory workers, on their way to work, were arrested and detained in a football stadium. -
Operation Chipo Chiroorwa "Chipo Get Married"
After a long hiatus, police resumed the clampdowns, starting with Operation Chipo Chiroorwa ("Chipo Get Married") which was a reincarnation of the former . Chipo Chiroorwa was a systematic arrest of women accused of loitering, soliciting for prostitution and harboring criminals, conducted by police in Harare. Women were being indiscriminately nabbed on the streets. This blitz outraged Zimbabwean activists who staged public protests. -
Operation Chengetedza Hunhu
After Operation Chipo Chiroorwa, the police then launched Operation Chengetedza Hunhu ("Maintain Your Dignity") continuing to net in women in pubs and on the streets. -
Operation Dyira Bonus Kumba
Operation Dyira Bonus Kumba ("Take Your Bonus Money Home") was launched during the festive season with the police continuing arrests on women patronising pubs and roaming the streets at night. -
Operation No Loitering
The most recent operation, begun in February 2013, is called "No to Loitering" and on its first day, netted 60 people charged with soliciting for the purposes of prostitution. They were later fined and freed by a Harare magistrate.
