Published by the government of Zimbabwe
11 November 2009
Harare — Three Harare municipal police officers were picked up for questioning following the death of a vendor in clashes on Monday along with eight people suspected of inciting the violence.
While police are investigating both the violence and the death, the Government yesterday ordered Harare City Council to allow vendors in Mbare to trade, but said the council should collect fees while seeking alternative vending sites.
Police also arrested eight more people on allegations of inciting violence in Mbare that led to the death of a vendor, Godfrey Tonde (23).
According to police sources, Tonde -- who was among the vendors fleeing from the municipal police -- was tripped from behind by an unidentified municipal officer during the chase.
"As the (now) deceased was staggering, he was kicked in his genitals and he nose dived to the ground and died on the spot," said the police source.
"When the other vendors saw that Godfrey Tonde had died as a result of the assault from the municipal police, they started retaliating causing the municipal police to flee leaving the deceased's body behind in the hands of the rioting mob."
The vendors then conveyed Tonde's body in a pushcart to the City of Harare building section, Nenyere Yard, opposite Agrifoods where they dumped it in protest.
Local Government, Urban and Rural Development Minister Ignatius Chombo yesterday visited Mbare to get first-hand information on what transpired on Monday and later met representatives of vendors trading at an open space near Chishawasha flats.
"Do not chase them (vendors) away. You should consider collecting money from them (through rates) while looking for alternative vending spaces.
"They are quite compliant and willing to work with council. Let them sell their wares while you discuss the matter with Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda," Minister Chombo said yesterday.
Harare Town Clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi attended the meeting during which the vendors pleaded with Minister Chombo for Government intervention.
The vendors said they were aware that their activities were illegal, but said an arrangement could be made for them to pay rates.
They said council could generate income through such an arrangement and accused municipal police of demanding bribes whenever they arrested them.
The vendors said council could consider giving them hawkers' licences.
It was business as usual at the market places yesterday as the vendors sold their wares as calm returned to Mbare.
The municipal police officers arrested are Clifford Sabumba, an inspector, and sergeants Lazarus Mutema and Bibian Gangawodza.
They had their statements recorded at Matapi Police Station before they were released as investigations continued.
The three are expected to go before an identification parade once post-mortem results are out this week.
The case is being investigated under RRB number 0734950.
Police spokesperson Chief Superinte-ndent Oliver Mandipaka yesterday said investigations were in progress and they wanted to bring to book all the culprits involved in the violence.
He said whoever caused the death of Tonde would be brought to book.
"We are going to have a thorough and full-scale investigation into that murder and the violence which was caused by some rowdy elements," he said.
Chief Supt Mandipaka said as law enforcement agents, they had a duty to ensure that there was law and order.
"But, whenever we carry out our operations, we ensure that such operations would not degenerate into unnecessary deaths. We have always wanted to create a good relationship with members of the public, which we police, and it's not in our interest to cause suffering amongst them," he said.
Police Deputy Commissioner-General Levy Sibanda yesterday said the incident was disturbing and that police would get to the bottom of the matter.
He expressed concern over the behaviour of the Mbare residents, saying the force did not expect that kind of behaviour.
City spokesman Mr Leslie Gwindi yesterday said council would continue its clampdown on illegal vending in the city.
"We will hold our ground. We want to enforce our by-laws," he said.
Mr Gwindi conveyed council's condolences to the bereaved family, adding that the incident was unfortunate.
"We are still to establish exactly what happened," he said.
Harare Residents' Trust spokesman Mr Bright Chibvuri said municipal police should not be heavy-handed when dealing with traders trying to eke a living.
Zimbabwe Home Industry and Markets' Association president Mr Onismo Gore echoed similar sentiments and condemned violence especially by vendors.
"If they have any queries or grievances, they should find ways to have them resolved amicably," he said.
He condemned the behaviour by the municipal police, especially on people who were making an honest living through vending as opposed to engaging in criminal activities.
He urged the relevant authorities to put up more market stalls so that the vendors would be able to trade freely without harassment.
"Council should put up more market stalls and if they don't have money, then we can built for ourselves like we are doing in Chitungwiza," he said.
Mr Gore said Tonde was one of their members and they were going to carry out a demonstration at Town House in protest at his death.
He said they wanted a commission of inquiry to investigate the death.
Zanu-PF Harare provincial member Cde Luke Luke said the suspects who killed Tonde should be arrested.
"We are strongly condemning the acts by these municipal policemen whose job is to enforce the law and not to kill people," he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Chombo has indicated that Harare City Council would provide assistance towards Tonde's burial.
"Council will buy a coffin and food related to the burial of the person who died yesterday (Monday)," he said.
Early last month, a Mupedzanhamo stallholder, Mrs Martha Chitambira (70), was killed after being hit by a missile during a demonstration against the proposed re-organisation of Mupedzanhamo.
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