MAKHADO – They don't steal or deal in drugs, but they are hookers, who sell their bodies to older men who drive flashy cars, and those with deep pockets and strong nerves. Some are using prostitution as a way to survive in an adult world.

They travel from Sinthumule, Kutama, Elim /Hlanganani, Nzhelele and in some cases, certain parts of Vuwani area, every afternoon to Makhado town to sell their bodies in the evening. The majority are at the tender age of between 14 and 16 years old. Amongst them, there are foreigners from Zimbabwe, who crossed the border due to political unrest and they are in the country to end their plight of spending sleepless nights with an empty stomach, through prostitution.

While some are targeting truck drivers at Eltivillas, others would be lingering around the streets in Makhado, wearing short and revealing clothes to attract their clients. Some of them are unemployed, drinkers and school leavers who are not scared of the silent killer, which is wiping out people from all generations in the country.

Some have illegitimate children, while others are using contraceptives to avoid unwanted pregnancy. They are not scared of the brutal killings, as all they want is money.

When journalists identified themselves while requesting interviews, they made things difficult, by demanding payment. Some of the streets that have become familiar haunts for prostitutes are Joubert Street, the corner of Grobler and Rissik Streets and the street behind the railway station.

A group of young hookers, who operate at the corner of Grobler and Rissik Streets, told Mirror that if a client is not using a condom, they charge R100 and if he does use a condom, the charge is R50. They said that for clients who work at the SACM Prison, Government Officials, farmers and businessmen, they charge more. When asked about the danger of getting the deadly HIV/Aids, they said that there is nothing they could do, as they are making a living through prostitution. When asked about the daily, weekly and monthly clients, the hookers said that their clients include police officers, farmers, well-known businessmen, government officials, taxi and truck drivers and local celebrities.

Most of the young girls told Mirror that it is difficult to leave the business, as they are addicted, with the worst problem being that they are not employed.