City of Harare Cracks Down On Broken Down Cars After Kuwadzana Tragedy – Sets Strict Deadline

City of Harare Sets Short Deadline For Removal Of Broken Down Vehicles

The City of Harare has issued a seven-day, urgent deadline for the removal of broken-down vehicles from public spaces. This drastic move comes just weeks after a devastating tragedy in Kuwadzana Extension, where three children were found dead inside an abandoned car. The new directive, announced on 23 October 2025, targets cars left in overnight guarded car parks, shopping centres, and open areas. Officials are acting swiftly to prevent a repeat of the heartbreaking incident that shocked the nation.

The city’s acting town clerk, F.M. Movo, released a stark official statement. He declared that keeping broken-down vehicles in these areas is illegal. The notice gave lessees of car parks one week to clear all wrecks and scrap.

“Lessees of Guarded Overnight Car Parks must with immediate effect remove broken down vehicles, car shells and scrap from the Car Parks. This should be done within seven (7) days starting today,” the statement from Eng F.M. Movo read.

The council warned that failure to comply would result in them taking action. They will impound the vehicles and store them at a junkyard. The owners will be charged for the cost of the removal.

A Community’s Heartbreak Spurs Action

This new crackdown is set against a backdrop of profound community grief. On 3 October 2025, three young children from Kuwadzana Extension were discovered lifeless in the boot of a broken-down Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle was parked near their homes. The children had been reported missing on 1 October 2025.

Pictures and videos from the scene circulated widely on social media and showed a crowd of distressed residents gathered around the vehicle where the children were found. While initial, unverified audio clips suggested the bodies were mutilated, the Zimbabwe Republic Police later stated the children had no missing body parts.

A Direct Plea To Residents

In light of the Kuwadzana tragedy, the City of Harare is now making a direct appeal to the public. They are asking residents to become their eyes and ears in the community. The council wants information on any abandoned vehicles so they can take immediate action.

The official statement from the acting town clerk included a clear call for assistance.

“We urge residents to come forward with information on abandoned and broken down vehicles dumped at overnight cars parks, streets and open spaces so that the City of Harare takes action,” the city’s statement urged.

This collaborative approach shows the city of Harare’s desire to address what it now clearly views as a critical public safety issue. The seven-day ultimatum shows the urgency officials feel following the devastating loss of three young lives.