Sex workers in Zimbabwe have turned to pickpocketing as a means of survival due to the country’s worsening economic crisis, which has led to a drastic drop in demand for their services.
The revelations were made during interviews with ZiFM Stereo, where several women in the trade spoke anonymously about the challenges they face.
The women, commonly referred to as “thigh vendors,” said they are struggling to attract clients as the economy continues to deteriorate.
One of the sex workers shared,“Mari yacho irikunetsa. varikukecha vacho vashoma. Mari unenge uchiida unege waiwona. Saka pamwe pacho unozoona kuti better ndiise zvigunwe muhomwe ndingotorawo mari yacho, Chandinenge ndichida imari.”
She explained that if a client realizes they’ve been robbed, she denies the accusation and even dares him to report her to the police.
In such cases, she negotiates with the authorities by lying about the amount stolen and agreeing to split the money with them. ‘Kumapurisa ndongonoti mari yaarikutaura kuti ndatora haisiriyo yandatora. Ndatora mari yakati.’ Tomboti ndatora 100 ndogona kuti ndatora 70. Ngatiitei 35-35,” she explained.
The women further explained their methods, often taking advantage of crowded environments like bars and nightclubs.
One sex worker detailed how she discreetly uses two fingers to lift money from clients’ pockets. “In busy places like bars, no one notices when you slip your hand into someone’s pocket and take the cash,” she said.
Despite the dangers, including being caught and physically assaulted, some workers are willing to take the risk.
One woman recounted a time when she was beaten after being caught stealing, but she refused to return the money, saying she was prepared to fight for it.
The situation reflects the desperate measures many are taking just to survive in Zimbabwe, particularly in marginalized sectors like the sex trade.
-iHarare
