Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
BULAWAYO Mayor David Coltart has come out guns blazing after municipal police officers and council vehicles were attacked by a violent mob during clean-up operations in the city centre in the early hours of yesterday.
The skirmishes broke out when municipal police swooped on illegal vendors in a blitz meant to restore order in the city. The operation quickly turned chaotic as a mob pelted council vehicles with stones, leaving four of them with smashed windows and dents.
The mob was protesting what they called “heavy-handed tactics” by council staff in ensuring there is order in the city.
“One of our staff members was badly hurt, had to be briefly hospitalised and lost a tooth,” fumed Mayor Coltart in a statement. “Four of our vehicles were damaged after rocks were thrown at them breaking windows and denting them.”
The incident, which played out along 5th Avenue, saw council officers fleeing for cover as vendors and suspected street barons retaliated with missiles. Order was only restored after police intervention.
Coltart described the attack as “unacceptable behaviour” that undermines efforts to clean up the city. “They were involved in clean up operations in the centre of Bulawayo when they were set upon by a lawless mob. This is unacceptable behaviour as we seek to clean up Bulawayo and restore order to it,” he said.
The mayor urged police to act decisively. “I hope that Zimbabwe Republic Police will urgently and thoroughly investigate the matter and if possible bring the culprits to book. If we are to restore law and order to our City this conduct cannot be allowed.”
Coltart went further to stress his vision for the city. “Our vision is to establish a clean, orderly, world class City which will create an attractive environment for investors which in turn will provide jobs for those who are currently unemployed. I call on all residents to work with us so that we can achieve this vision.”
The violent clashes have once again spotlighted tensions between municipal police and informal traders, with residents caught in the crossfire of the city’s ongoing struggle to balance order and livelihoods.
