Zanu PF youths terrorise vendors in ChiTown
OVER 50 Zanu PF youth have been terrorising vendors at Jambanja market in Chitungwiza, forcing them to pay US$1 each on a daily basis to carry out their operations.
The youths reportedly stormed the market on October 19 where they exchanged harsh words with a vendor who had reported them to the police.
In a four-minute audio, the militant group is heard bragging that the police would never arrest them.
“We don’t get arrested here. Jambanja is not a home or church,” one of the youth said.
A vendor, who identified herself as Mai Anotida, accused the police of not taking action against the gang despite numerous reports of criminal activities.
“They come clad in Zanu PF regalia and they terrorise us and demand US$1 from each vendor. Several people have been beaten up for resisting paying,” she said.
“All these cases were reported to the police, but they have not taken action. I also reported my case under RRB 4901070 to Chitungwiza Police Station, but still no action was taken. As a result, we are now living in fear.”
Chitungwiza Municipality charges US$15 per month for vendors to operate in the area.
Chitungwiza Municipality spokesperson Lovemore Meya confirmed that a council employee was attacked by the youths.
“Yes, there was an incident whereby one of our workers was beaten by the youth. The issue has since been resolved and council has resumed collections,” he said.
Zanu PF deputy secretary for youth affairs Tendai Chirau referred questions to the party’s Chitungwiza youth leader Taurai Chivhanga.
Efforts to get a comment from Chivhanga were fruitless. He also did not respond to questions sent to him by NewsDay.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the victims should report to the police.
“The victimised vendors must go and make a report to the officer commanding Harare province, Commissioner Wonder Tembo if Chitungwiza police are ignoring their reports. For an investigation to be conducted by the police, the matter must be reported. If there are criminal actions taking place, then the law will take its course,” Nyathi said.