Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
A WAVE of violence and extortion has gripped Mbare Musika, Zimbabwe’s largest fresh produce market, as farmers from rural areas fall prey to illegal syndicates operating outside the formal market.
Farmers delivering their produce from Mutoko say they are being forced to pay illegal fees by self-proclaimed space owners outside the market’s perimeter wall, despite them having paid council fees.
“When the wholesale market is full, municipal officers tell us to sell our wares outside, but some violent individuals come and claim ownership of that space,” said Simbarashe Chigweshe, a tomato farmer from Mutoko.
“They demand as much as US$15 just for us to place our crates.”
Chigweshe said the situation was worsened by the absence of police and the municipality’s failure to manage the overflow of farmers.
Another farmer, Brighton Mutore, echoed similar concerns, saying the area around the market had been turned into a lawless zone.
“Refuse to pay and they threaten you. These people move in groups and they look dangerous. We are just trying to survive but they make our lives hell,” he said.
The violence turned physical on Thursday morning when Obrian Kasumba, a 27-year-old farmer, was attacked for failing to pay.
“They punched him in the mouth. His lips were bleeding and no one helped. It’s like no one cares,” Mutore narrated.
Disturbed by the worsening situation, the farmers have since approached Mutoko East Member of Parliament Richard Musiyiwa for intervention.
“These acts are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” Musiyiwa said in an interview at Mbare Musika.
“Farmers are the backbone of our economy and must not be subjected to such thuggery. I will engage the City of Harare and law enforcement to restore order.”
Despite repeated complaints, farmers claim little has been done.
“We bring food to the people, yet we are treated like criminals. We have reported the matter to the police but nothing has been done yet,” said Chigweshe.
Contacted for comment, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he is yet to get the report.
“Can you please contact me later after I have made follow-up to the issue, I will definitely give you an update,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
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