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Tapiwa Mushonga Manicaland Correspondent
Mutare district councillors have raised concern over the increased number of small business operators and individuals who have been setting up shop in restricted areas near the diamond fields in Chiadzwa, resulting in confrontation with security agents.

Speaking at a full Mutare Rural District Council meeting held in Mutare last week, the councillors said the failure by locals to observe the law with regards to diamond security was worrying.

Council chairperson Mr Itai Katsaruware said it was important for councillors to conscientise people in their wards on the importance of regularising their businesses with council and obtaining licences before setting up shop.

“When we hear stories of people whose homes or shops are destroyed because they built in restricted areas, we get worried. This might result in destruction of property by security forces and they have the right to do so.

“We should go out there and educate people who might want to set up small businesses or construct houses in the area. They should first get licences to operate their shops and they need to be allocated land by council. Not all land in Chiadzwa is for commercial or residential use and people need to understand this,” he said.
He said all councillors should engage their communities for a way forward to avoid loss of property.