Police on Monday went door-to-door arresting people suspected to have been behind incidences of violence that have plagued Mbare in Harare since Friday.
The suspects are believed to be linked to the ZANU PF and CCC political parties.
Since last week, there have been a spate of cases of arson that have seen stalls at Mupedzanhamo flea market being torched, in addition to public brawls and stone-throwing.
The violence is linked to battles between supporters of ZANU PF and CCC who are understood to be vying for control of vending sites in the high-density suburb.
One Zanu-PF supporter was injured in the melee and was rushed to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital where his condition could not be ascertained by the time of writing. However, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was not aware of the incident.
“I haven’t received any information yet on the Mbare fights,” he said.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Julius Chakanza also said he was yet to get a report on the issue.
The conflict between the supporters of the two political parties dates back to the COVID-19 lockdown period when vendors were ordered out of the designated market site as a measure to contain the spread of the virulent disease. Space barons took advantage and started demanding “rentals”.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume condemned the fights.
“We cannot continue with the wild west mentality that is in Mbare. People are being victimised, spaces being taken and it is difficult to provide services to Mbare. We need a solution to the issues of Mbare, which includes all stakeholders to come up with an infrastructural, social and economic plan that serves the interest of the residents,” he said.
Vendors have in the past raised concern over the Mupedzanhamo flea market, saying it was mired in political contestations, which has resulted in the flea market being closed, pushing peddlers to move to sidewalks. – Agencies/NewsDay
