By Loyd Matare
Harare City Council on Friday tightened its grip on illegal vending in the central business district, confiscating goods from street vendors operating along Robert Mugabe Road and Rezende Street in the latest enforcement blitz.
Council police descended early in the morning on vendors stationed near Baker’s Inn, loading confiscated merchandise as authorities moved to reclaim what they describe as restricted and high-security zones.
Speaking to AfroGazette News, City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama said the operation is part of a broader, city-wide strategy to eliminate illegal vending.
“It’s a strategic move. We want to clear area by area until we get rid of illegal vendors in the whole city.
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“On the latest action, we are starting with areas close to strategic installations.
“Our appeal is that vendors must use designated areas,” said Gama.
The crackdown comes amid long-running tensions between council authorities and informal traders, many of whom depend on street vending for survival as the economy continues to struggle.
Gama noted that the operation will continue in phases across Harare, signalling no immediate reprieve for vendors operating outside approved trading zones.
