Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Orders Urgent Grass Cutting as Crime Fears Rise

Tall grass at road intersections

HARARE – Jacob Mafume has ordered the urgent deployment of tractors for grass cutting across several suburbs, warning that overgrown vegetation is contributing to rising criminal activity.

Speaking during a recent full council meeting, the Harare mayor said tall grass in residential areas was creating security risks and exposing residents to muggings.

“There is tall grass everywhere, and people are being mugged,” Mafume said, responding to concerns raised in council chambers.

Warren Park and High Glen Among the Worst Affected

Ward 36 councillor Hilda Ruzani highlighted deteriorating conditions in her constituency, particularly in Warren Park, and called for immediate intervention from the City of Harare.

In a subsequent interview, Ruzani listed several hotspots requiring urgent grass cutting, including Phase 3, Phase 4, Marimba, Mufakose, Kambuzuma, and areas along High Glen Road.

She said the overgrowth has become so severe that motorists are struggling to navigate safely.

“Motorists are failing to cross High Glen Road. We have roads such as Mukonono Road, which also has tall grass that needs to be cut, like in previous years when council workers would be deployed,” she said.

Residents Report Spike in Muggings

According to Ruzani, residents have reported a surge in muggings allegedly linked to the unchecked vegetation, which provides cover for criminals.

“People are being mugged and they come to me with reports because of the tall grass. We do not know what to do without a resolution on grass cutting,” she said.

The complaints reflect broader concerns about service delivery within the City of Harare, particularly in high-density suburbs where maintenance of open spaces and road verges has reportedly lagged behind in recent years.

Pressure Mounts on Council Departments

Mafume’s directive places immediate pressure on the housing and works committees to mobilise tractors, slashers, and manpower to clear affected areas. Council officials are expected to prioritise identified crime hotspots and major traffic routes to improve visibility and enhance public safety.

The issue of grass cutting has previously surfaced during rainy seasons, when rapid vegetation growth strains limited municipal resources. However, residents argue that delayed intervention has compounded security risks this year. Urban planning experts note that poorly maintained public spaces can inadvertently create environments conducive to opportunistic crime, particularly in densely populated suburbs.

For residents in Warren Park and surrounding communities, swift action will be key to restoring a sense of safety and order. The mayor’s call signals renewed focus on basic municipal services as city authorities grapple with growing pressure to improve service delivery and address safety concerns in Zimbabwe’s capital.

Jacob Mafume; Harare urgent grass cutting