By Dalphine Tagwireyi
Snatching Brazilian wigs from female motorists and pedestrians is now a popular hustle for street kids in Harare.
The kids trade the wigs for money from hairdressers or exchange them for crystal meth, glue or cough syrup from drug peddlers.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, Jacob Mavengere, a 19-year-old who lives on the streets, said he has been snatching wigs for a year now.
“It’s the easiest way of making money, as women are powerless and they never fight back. I don’t want to disclose my buyers, because they will stop buying from me,” he said.
He added that he works perfectly during the night, because he just quickly snatches wigs and simply disappears into the night.
Mathias Dzapasi, who is 21 years old, said snatching wigs from motorists and pedestrians is a good hustle that requires one to just be a good athlete, nothing else.
“If you want to visit the CBD, don’t put on an expensive wig, because it ceases to be yours the moment you put your feet in our territory.
“If you are driving, make sure your windows are closed, because we usually target traffic jams and when the traffic lights turn red — we pounce, as it’s always about good timing,” he said.
A victim, Eustania Nguruve from Harare, who lost her R3,600 ($200) wig in early February, said that street kids have become thugs.
“My Brazilian wig was snatched when I was crossing the road three weeks back in the CBD. I’m now living in fear; maybe next time they will come for my phone or my handbag,” she said.
“Brazilian wigs are expensive and I was told that they sell them to salons at a cheaper price. I think those who buy wigs from them should be arrested as well.”
Another victim, Eline Chipere, said she lost her wig in January when she was driving in downtown Harare.
“They violently seized one of my most expensive wigs in January.
“They sell them at a cheaper price, which pains me when I think of it.
“They usually target expensive wigs, like Brazilian, Peruvian, Mongolian and Italian ones. We need help from the police, but they are doing nothing about this,” she said.
Pictured above: A woman wearing a Brazilian wig in Harare
Image source: Busisiwe Moyo
