Chitungwiza Hustler Detained After Viral Video of Cooking Sadza in Harare CBD as Olinda Chapel Offers Financial Assistance
Chitungwiza Hustler Detained After Viral Video of Cooking Sadza in Harare CBD as Olinda Chapel Offers Financial Assistance – A man who went viral on social media after being filmed cooking sadza in the middle of Harare’s Central Business District has reportedly been detained by authorities.
The man, who said he is from Zengeza, attracted widespread attention after the video circulated online over the past few days.
The footage sparked debate about informal trading and food safety within the city centre.
In response to the incident, the Mayor of Jacob Mafume called for urgent action, suggesting that authorities consider banning night-time trading or introducing stricter regulations to control such activities.
In a statement shared on social media, Mafume said the practice raised serious public health concerns.
“We will consult the relevant authorities, but this calls for a complete ban on night-time trading or strict regulation of it. This type of serving food in the city centre is a serious public health risk. We have noted the economic push factors, but they do not justify this.”
While the incident has led to enforcement action, it has also sparked sympathy from some members of the public.
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UK-based Zimbabwean businesswoman Olinda Chapel has offered to assist the man financially following reports of his detention. Chapel announced on Facebook that she intends to give him US$1,000 to compensate him for the loss of his income after the incident went viral.
She also encouraged other well-wishers to contribute, expressing hope that the man could receive up to US$10,000 through collective support.
In her post, Chapel criticised the circumstances that led to the man’s public exposure but maintained that assistance should be extended to him during this difficult time.
“Anyone who knows this man, please tell him that Mai Dziva wants to give him US$1,000 in cash for the loss of his earnings. I will also ask my friends to pledge US$1,000 each. I believe he could easily walk away with about US$10,000,” she wrote.
