Sex workers in Zvishavane have described Chinese nationals working in the town as some of their most generous clients, saying they pay more than local men and rarely bargain over prices.
This publication witnessed two Chinese men negotiating with sex workers near Edgars Shop in Zvishavane on Sunday night. Interviews conducted later with several women revealed that Chinese clients are often charged different rates from Zimbabwean men due to their willingness to spend more money.
“These men have money and they do not hesitate to pay. They will just give you the amount you mention,” said one sex worker.
According to the women, while the usual charge for a short encounter is around US$5, Chinese clients are commonly asked to pay double the amount.
“Everyone in this business knows how to charge them. Only a few who desperately need money will charge less,” another woman said.
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The sex workers also revealed that many of the Chinese clients prefer spending the entire night with them, often beginning with drinks before going home together.
“They treat women so well and they value us despite us being sex workers,” one of the women said.
Some of the women interviewed compared the behaviour of Chinese clients to that of local men, claiming Zimbabwean men frequently bargain over prices.
“Our men here in Zimbabwe can even negotiate the US$5 down to US$2 or US$3, and after all that he will still leave you in pain,” another sex worker claimed.
However, concerns were also raised about health risks associated with unprotected sex. The women alleged that some Chinese clients resist using protection during sexual intercourse.
“When you hang out with those guys, it is up to you the next morning whether to buy PrEP or not unless you insist on protection,” one sex worker said.
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