Dimingo’s ordeal began abruptly when her long-term employment as a caretaker in Westgate came to an end. Since 2012, she had diligently served her employer, residing in his Westgate house. However, the sale of the property by the owner, who is based outside the country, left Dimingo and her four children – aged 8, 11, 13, and 19 – without a roof over their heads. By the end of June, with only a few belongings, including a single blanket, they were forced onto the streets.
A Mother’s Fear: The Nightly Threat
The immediate concern for Dimingo is the safety of her three daughters. While her youngest child is a boy, her three girls are now living under constant threat from drunken youths and older men who prowl the streets. Dimingo recounted the terrifying encounters to H-Metro, stating, “During the night, drunken street kids and some men have been threatening the girls. They offer them money, not for help, but in exchange for sexual favours.” This chilling account is corroborated by residents living near the Mt Pleasant shopping centre, who confirmed to H-Metro that these men actively seek to exploit the vulnerable girl
The family initially sought refuge in Mt Pleasant Post Office area, hoping for a safer environment. However, this move proved futile as the dangers persisted. Dimingo explained, “We moved to Mt Pleasant Post Office because the street kids started to torment us during the night. Drunkards are also making our lives unbearable.” Their reliance on well-wishers for food highlights the extreme destitution they face daily.
The Broader Crisis: Homelessness in Harare
Nyarai Dimingo’s story is a stark illustration of a growing humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. The country has seen a significant increase in its homeless population, with estimates suggesting that Zimbabwe ranks second in Africa for the number of homeless individuals, with approximately 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness in 2025. This alarming figure reflects the severe economic volatility, low growth, and high informality that have plagued the nation, leading
The challenges faced by homeless families extend beyond mere lack of shelter. Children, like Dimingo’s, are often forced out of school. Her four children have not attended school since 2024, losing out on vital education and a pathway to a better future. This educational disruption is a common consequence of homelessness, trapping families in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
Vulnerability of Street Children and the Shadow of Exploitation
The plight of street children in Zimbabwe, particularly girls, is a deeply concerning issue. Research indicates that children living on the streets face heightened risks of recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation by criminal networks. The 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report for Zimbabwe highlights that economic hardship has exacerbated child sex trafficking and child labour, particularly among those involved in informal trading and begging.
Organisations like Destiny Rescue are actively working to rescue children from sexual exploitation in Zimbabwe and provide services to help them remain free. However, the scale of the problem remains immense, with many cases of sexual abuse against street children going unreported. The presence of drunken individuals and predatory men in areas where homeless families seek shelter creates an environment ripe for exploitation, as evidenced by Dimingo’s testimony.
A Plea for Help and a Call to Action
Separated from her husband, Nolan Eleven, in 2019, Dimingo had previously worked as a housemaid while he was a gardener in Westgate. Now, with her family’s future hanging precariously, she is desperate for employment. “I am prepared to work as a housemaid or any other job, including till operator. I have a national identity, so do my children,” she pleaded. Her willingness to take on any work underscores the urgent need for support to lift her family out of
