A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage by showing a group of rowdy street kids begging for money and valuables from unsuspecting passersby under the guidance of their mothers.
The children, estimated to be between 8 and 10 years old, are reportedly working in collaboration with their mothers, who coach them on how to solicit money.
While some of the older kids engage in purse-snatching, the younger ones, aged 5 to 10, resort to aggressive begging tactics.
They cling to people’s legs, refusing to let go until they receive money or food.
Their mothers can be seen lounging on a pavement along Speke Avenue near Joina City shopping mall, holding out an empty plate to collect donations from passing Christian pedestrians.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Three Chitungwiza women caught st3aling cash box – check if they are not your girlfriends
After a day of begging, the mothers can be observed reprimanding the children after they return empty-handed, with the other one receiving what appears to be a slap from their mother.
In stark contrast to their peers who are attending school, these youngsters face extreme poverty on the streets.
The boys, putting on pitiful expressions and speaking with convincing voices full of remorse, continue to approach passersby in hopes of receiving a few coins or a dollar.
This troubling scene is not unique to this area; similar situations are commonly observed in busy parts of Harare, including traffic intersections, shopfronts, and public parks like Harare Gardens and Africa Unity Square.
Watch the video below;
