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Mirriam Madiye Features Writer
The rains have been good this season resulting in most open spaces in Harare’s residential being used up by urban farmers.
Small patches of land on roadsides, too, have been turned into maize fields. While urban agriculture offers food security to the city’s population, the maize fields now provide cover for daring thieves and robbers who pounce on unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians. On roadsides, the maize crop obstructs road signage.
The situation is compounded by malfunctioning street lights, which leave residents completely in the dark. Over the past months, some residents have been robbed and lost their valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, cash, handbags, accessories. Others have been injured by ruthless criminals.
The Herald caught up with some Dzivarasekwa and Kuwadzana residents to hear their stories.
“It is now dangerous and risky to disembark at this bus stop or pass through this place after 7 pm or in the early hours of the morning. The maize fields have become hiding spots for thieves,” said Nyasha Mangwiro, a Dzivarasekwa resident.
He added that if possible, people should not farm near roads.
“Council should not allow residents to farm around these open areas so that people can walk freely to their destinations and do their business without thoughts of being harmed by these robbers at night,” said Mangwiro.
Another resident, Tendai Masiko, of Kuwadzana 3 highlighted that these areas are no longer safe.
“It is dangerous to walk alone. If one walks alone in such areas, he or she is likely to be attacked. Even if one cries for help, no one will come to that person’s rescue. Houses are a bit far and these robbers will be equipped with dangerous weapons such as knives, sticks, machetes and sharp objects,” added Masiko.
Not only do these thieves attack pedestrians, even motorists can be attacked.
“They hide in these fields and throw dangerous objects, which smash windscreens and damage tyres. When motorists stop the criminals pounce.
“Empty wallets and handbags can be found there,” said Sheila Masimba of Kuwadzana 5.
She further highlighted that council is doing nothing to solve the problem.
“The cases are increasing, but the problem is that the thieves are not caught as people fail to identify their attackers at night. Council is also not cutting long grass,” she said.
She said city fathers should enforce city by laws on urban farming in these open spaces.
“Long grass around roads should be cut so that people can see clearly what is ahead of them,” she said.
Online Reporter