Harare is gearing up for a major makeover as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), in conjunction with the Harare Metropolitan Police, launch a full-scale crackdown on street vendors, touts, and car wash operators ahead of the high-profile SADC Summit.
The city, set to host the 44th SADC Summit on August 17th, is undergoing a transformation, with authorities determined to present a picture of order and control.
The crackdown, dubbed “Operation Guta Ngarigare Rakachena” (Operation Clean City), aims to ensure a smooth and orderly event, showcasing Zimbabwe’s capacity to host such a significant gathering of regional leaders. The operation, which has already begun, is targeting a wide range of activities that are deemed disruptive to the city’s image.
“Only licensed vendors will be allowed to operate, and we will issue yellow cards to those who fail to comply,” warned a police spokesperson during a roadshow and awareness campaign held on Rezende Street in Harare. “Repeat offenders who fail to comply will be given red cards, and the police officers conducting the operation will take them into custody.”
The crackdown extends beyond street vendors, with the police also targeting illegal pirate taxis, known locally as “mushikashika.” Operators of these vehicles are being cautioned against involving touts in their activities, particularly unauthorized pickups and drop-offs.
“We are also targeting those who do dangerous parking, illegal picking and dropping, and obstruction,” the spokesperson added. “We want to keep the city clean and orderly ahead of the SADC Summit. We encourage the public to visit the Harare Metropolitan Police Headquarters or ZRP Public Relations for more information.”
The police’s focus on touts, who often aggressively solicit passengers, is part of a nationwide crackdown dubbed “No To Touts.” This initiative aims to eliminate the menace of touting gangs, which are often associated with pirate taxis and public service vehicles.
“We want to encourage people to sell their products at designated areas and load kombis at designated ranks, not in the streets,” the spokesperson stressed. Those seeking licenses or information on designated selling areas are advised to visit the Harare Metropolitan offices at Rowan Martin.
The SADC Summit, a high-profile gathering of Southern African leaders, is scheduled to take place at the newly built Parliament Building in Mt. Hampden’s New City. As the host country, Zimbabwe will also assume the chairmanship of SADC.
The summit is expected to attract a significant number of delegates, dignitaries, and journalists, making it crucial for the authorities to maintain a sense of order and security. The crackdown on street vendors, touts, and car wash operators is seen as a necessary step in achieving this goal.
However, the operation has sparked concerns among some residents, who fear that it will disproportionately impact informal traders who rely on these activities for their livelihoods. Many vendors, particularly those who operate without licenses, are struggling to make ends meet, and the crackdown could further exacerbate their financial difficulties.
“Where are we supposed to go? We have families to feed,” lamented one street vendor, who expressed frustration over the lack of alternative options for informal traders. “The government should provide us with designated areas to operate, not just chase us away.”
The police, however, maintain that the operation is necessary to ensure a safe and orderly environment for the SADC Summit. They have urged those who wish to operate legally to obtain the necessary licenses and comply with the city’s regulations.
