From Streets To Courtroom: Harare Vendors Threaten To Sue Council Over Violence

Amidst recent tensions, Harare vendors are considering suing Harare City Council (HCC) over what they perceive as excessive force used during raids on suspected illegal vending activities.

A video making rounds on social media has captured municipal police engaging in forceful actions against a vendor whose merchandise was seized.

Expressing deep concern, Samuel Wadzai, Director of Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (Viset), condemned the brutality, emphasizing the disproportionate response to a citizen striving to make ends meet.

Harare Vendors warn council on potential legal action

Wadzai issued a stern warning to municipal and law enforcement authorities, highlighting the potential legal consequences of employing disproportionate force. He stressed that such actions, which undermine individuals’ survival efforts, will not go unchallenged.

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Harare vendors threaten to sue council-Image Source@Facebook

He lamented the prevailing state of the justice system, asserting that many individuals lack avenues for justice when their rights are violated through unjust confiscation of goods.

Call for Policy Implementation

Viset, who helped craft Harare’s small-to-medium enterprises policy, expressed dismay over its lack of implementation. The policy, designed to uphold the dignity of informal economy workers, remains largely dormant, raising suspicions of political opportunism.

While commending the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare for drafting a formalization strategy, Viset urged expedited action to finalize the process.

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Official Response and Remedial Measures

HCC spokesperson Stanley Gama acknowledged the investigation into the viral video. He assured that appropriate action would be taken if the involved individual was linked to the council. He reaffirmed the council’s stance against such misconduct, citing the Mayor’s directives to uphold laws and respect human rights.

Gama revealed plans for implementing customer care and human rights training among council staff. This aims to foster a culture of respect and compliance.