adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE in Bulawayo have distanced themselves from the city council’s operation against illegal vendors saying they have no jurisdiction over how council enforces its by-laws. The local authority had said impounded vendors’ wares were handed over to police, but the law enforcers have disputed the position. The city’s senior public relations officer, Nesisa Mpofu said: “Disposal is done through the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Council conducts proper briefings, supervision and effective operational strategies.”
The council urged illegal vendors to comply with the directive to move to designated areas as the local authority would not rest until sanity prevails. However, Mpofu’s statement conflicts with that from the police who said they are not involved in the City Council’s blitz on vendors.
Acting police spokesperson for Bulawayo Assistant Inspector Garikai Chipfunde said enforcing city by-laws was not part of their jurisdiction. “We’re not dealing with vendors. It’s the duty of the city council. We’re not involved in enforcing city’s by-laws. If there’s anything you want regarding vendors they should answer to that,” said Asst Insp Chipfunde.
Since the beginning of this month, council has been on a massive operation to remove illegal vendors from the Central Business District. Running battles have ensued as vendors are resisting the move.
Some vendors have even accused the local authority’s municipal police of stealing their goods. They say instead of surrendering the confiscated goods, municipal police were sharing the loot. However, Mpofu rubbished claims by vendors saying after confiscating goods from vendors the council hands them over to police.
Mpofu said council maintains high level of accountability and as such could not steal from vendors. Recently, municpal police assaulted a man they allegedly mistook for a vendor, until he fainted. Brighton Madegwe was hospitalised after the assault.
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