A GROUP of about 15 municipal police officers on routine fitness training on Thursday caused a stir when they toyi-toyed in Kadoma’s central business district chanting tichatsemura mavendor, meaning “we will crush vendors”, much to the anger of vendors who vowed to retaliate.
Own Correspondent
The development stirred rebuke from the street traders who threatened to hit back if the municipal operatives tried to confiscate their wares in a bid to force them off the pavements.
A vendors’ representative, Memory Chuma, said the council police’s words were inflammatory and could trigger a wave of nasty scenes of violence.
“This is unfortunate. If the think they can intimidate us and go on to unleash violence on us for trying to fend for our families, they should know that we will not take it lying down. We will fight back,” said Chuma , a widow and mother of three.
In separate interviews, vendors said they would resist removal from their vending places until Kadoma City Council authorities designated proper sites conducive for business.
Vendors said they should not be punished for ekeing out an honest living in the wake of joblessness in a “moribund” economy.
Kadoma town clerk Malvin Dondo could not be reached for comment.
