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Mr Mutiwi

Obert Chifamba Manicaland Bureau
Mutare City Council launched an operation code-named “Restore Sanity” last Friday to flush out illegal vendors, touts and rank marshals from the central business district (CBD), including Sakubva suburb.

The operation is being jointly conducted by both the municipal police and security forces.

Mutare City public relations officer Mr Spren Mutiwi told The Herald last Friday that all those who resisted or ignored the order would face the full wrath of the law, as council will not allow disorder and lawlessness.

“This is an aggressive operation that will bring order and sanity and we want to reclaim our status as the cleanest city in Zimbabwe. The level of disorder and lawlessness has reached alarming levels and commuter omnibus operators who fail to pick up and drop passengers at the designated points also face arrest,” said Mr Mutiwi.

“Alternative vending sites have been created by council, but, surprisingly, illegal vendors disregard their parameters to the extent of selling their products on pavements, blocking the smooth movement of pedestrians.”

He said while council appreciated the fact that people are trying to earn a living, there was need to follow proper procedures and respect all city by-laws.

“We want the rank marshal and tout menace to disappear from our streets and all commuter and long-distance bus operators should desist from engaging touts. It’s disturbing to note that a number of people have lost valuable items through theft due to the influx of touts at various bus terminuses.

“We will also extend our operation to Sakubva Musika. Commuter omnibuses that pick up and drop passengers by the robots should desist from that practice before the long arm of the law descends on them,” further warned Mr Mutiwi.

Mr Mutiwi said though the local authority had designated sites for vending, many of the vendors abandoned their tables and preferred to sell their wares from the pavements.

He, however, noted that alternative places for vending had been established for those who want to operate within the confines of the city’s by-laws.

“Council encourages people to regularise their businesses so that they conduct their operations freely without playing hide and seek with law enforcement agents. Those who want to regularise their businesses should approach the city’s housing and community services department in Sakubva.

“We shall use the same modus operandi that was employed in Harare to bring order and all illegal vending, touting, rank marshalling and other illegal activities to an end,” warned Mr Mutiwi.