Shut down the casino!

Latwell Nyangu

HARARE residents have called for the shutdown of casinos and other night spots frequented by revellers in Belgravia due to rising insecurity resulting from criminal activities.

The call comes after the recent death of a patron, following an altercation, after residents had written to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) red-flagging activities at a casino in the neighbourhood.

David Matambo died after he was assaulted by Calisto Murawo at the Afro 161 Bar and Restaurant opposite Belgravia Shopping Centre.

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations of Residents Trust (ZNOART) blames the Harare City Council for not monitoring some casinos, which are not complying with city by-laws, and has called for action to be taken to shut down casinos in Belgravia.

ZNOART chairperson, Shalvar Chikomba, accused city authorities of corruption.

“The problem is the stinking corruption at the city council.

“They should have engaged us as residents when they did the process of changing land use.

“As we speak, there is noise pollution and a lot of things going on there.

“If all these activities were properly monitored, we would not have all these activities in Belgravia,” said Chikomba.

“As residents, we feel that things like casinos and pubs should not be located in residential areas, as they affect our day-to-day social life.

“Recently we lost a life in a tragic scenario at a pub in the same area and as residents, we request that they close the casino and situate it away from residential areas.”

In a letter to ZACC, the residents said the casino posed a risk to peace and security in the community.

“I am writing to you on behalf of a section of Belgravia residents seeking the indulgence of your office in addressing a case we suspect could be an offspring of corruption.

“The issue relates to the ongoing operations by a newly established casino named Suncity.

“The casino is located at number 12 Maasdorp Avenue, Belgravia, Harare.

“It has become a cause of concern among residents that the establishment of the casino in the neighbourhood is posing a serious threat to the peace and security of the residents which has further raised questions over the casino’s compliance with city by-laws,” reads the letter.