Social media users have shared images and videos revealing a hole beneath a bridge in the Pyramids area of Giza, Egypt, showing several children, women, and young people inside. Many are calling for clarification regarding the context of these visuals.
Swift Response
Egypt’s Ministry of Interior promptly acted upon the situation, pinpointing the suspected location, specifically in the jurisdiction of the Pyramids police station. Authorities conducted a raid on the site, leading to the apprehension of 20 individuals, which included children, young adults, and women. Among the suspects, nine were found with bladed weapons, suggesting their possible involvement in violent activities or intimidation while engaged in begging.
According to initial investigations reported by local outlets, these children appeared to be organized in street begging activities around the area, coercively soliciting donations from passersby and selling various items to extract as much money as possible, employing psychological and emotional manipulation.
Interior Ministry Statement
The Ministry of Interior disclosed that the hole was used as a base for illegal activities, primarily compelling children into begging and aggressively selling items to people nearby.
The ministry’s statement revealed that following the identification of the specific location, security forces arrested 20 individuals, including eight women and five children, seven of whom had prior criminal records. Additionally, nine individuals were found with knives.
The ministry assured the legal measures were being pursued against the involved parties, coordinating to permanently seal the hole and enforce necessary precautions to place the apprehended children in social care institutions for their protection and to prevent further exploitation.
A Terrifying Site
Egyptian journalist Mustafa Bakri, during his program “Facts and Secrets” aired on Sada Elbalad, commented on the decisive action taken by the Ministry of Interior, stating that they effectively eliminated the “black hole” beneath the Giza bridge. He noted that the viral videos on social media led to alarming perceptions, suggesting the location was more dangerous than traditional gang hideouts depicted in films.
Bakri concluded that these events clearly indicate that the Ministry of Interior is vigilant and ready to confront anyone attempting to exploit children or incite chaos.
Closure of the Black Hole
The Giza governorate, through the Pyramids district, has taken measures to close the so-called “black hole.”
A responsible official from Giza stated that upon receiving complaints, they dispatched vehicles and equipment to seal the openings under the bridge, which features several holes approximately two meters wide and about two meters high from ground level.
The source confirmed that all openings have been completely sealed to ensure public safety and prevent their use for illegal activities threatening security and order.
Over 100 Complaints
According to a worker’s statement to local media, many residents expressed concerns about the “black hole” and the vulnerable children hiding there. Accompanied by the head of the Pyramids police, they discovered appalling sights.
The worker recounted, “I entered the area and saw heartbreaking scenes—clothes were strewn about, young children were sleeping in the dark, and one woman had left a small child on the ground.”
He added, “We spent over eight hours placing bricks, sand, and cement to block those openings, all in the name of public safety after receiving about 100 complaints regarding thefts, harassment, and phones being snatched from passersby.”