INVESTIGATION: ‘Bhuru’ Accused of Harassing Southerton Vendors Despite Valid Permits

Municipal police enforcement operation in Harare

By Editorial Staff | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – Vendors and residents in Southerton have raised serious concerns over alleged harassment and extortion by a municipal police officer known only as “Bhuru,” amid claims that licensed traders are being targeted despite complying with city regulations. The allegations point to a breakdown in coordination within the City of Harare, particularly between the Markets Office and municipal police, with traders saying enforcement practices are undermining official policy.

Policy vs Practice: Vendors Caught in the Middle

Resident and tuckshop owner, Tendai Chimanikire, questioned whether city departments are working in sync, noting that traders who have paid for designated trading spaces are still being harassed.

“We have people who have paid to be in certain places who still get harassed even if they have letters to operate,” he said.

The concerns come despite efforts by Jacob Mafume to ease the burden on small businesses by reducing tuckshop permit fees from US$50 to US$30. Vendors argue that these reforms are being undermined on the ground by alleged rogue enforcement practices.

Political Pressure Mounts

The issue has drawn political attention, with Andrew Makahamadze, a ZANU-PF shadow representative for Southerton, publicly criticising the conduct of municipal officers. In remarks seen by Southerton Business Times, Makahamadze condemned what he described as abusive treatment of vendors, particularly women.

“Wadiwa Mayor His Worship Jakobhu Mafume .Kutanga ndinoti makasimba here ?kuno ku Southerton tayauriswa nemapurisa ekanzuru .Pahupenyu kutanga nhasi kuwirirana nemi pakutsutsumwa kwenyu nezviri kuitwa ne mapurisa eguta re Harare .Uumm hazvina kuita zvakanaka zvekuti dai maita chimbi chimbi kugadzirisa nyaya iyi.Vanotora vanhu kadzi vakabereka vana vachivakandira murori vari vanhu rume vanenge vakabatai pai pamunhukadzi ?Chokwadi kurerutsa vana mai kudai zvakanaka here?Vane ngoro vane matsamba vanobhadhariswa ma 3 usd pazuva kana asina anotorerwa zvinhu.Dai zvaoera nekukasika .Ndini wenyu Cde Andrew MakahamadzeZANU PF DCC Zone 6 secretary business and development. @Andrew Makahamadze

Claims of Extortion

Some vendors allege a pattern of informal payments being demanded to avoid harassment.

A trader identified as Nigel claimed that despite operating within a designated zone and holding valid receipts, his goods have been confiscated multiple times. He further alleged that he is now forced to pay a daily “protection fee” of US$3 to continue trading without interference.

These claims could not be independently verified, and the City of Harare had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Wider Concerns Over Enforcement

The allegations follow broader public scrutiny of municipal policing practices after recent incidents, including viral footage showing enforcement officers using force during operations.

Urban governance experts say such incidents risk eroding trust between authorities and informal traders, who form a significant part of Zimbabwe’s urban economy.

“Consistency and transparency in enforcement are critical,” said Harare-based governance analyst Tendai Moyo. “If policy says vendors should be protected, enforcement must reflect that.”

Editorial Note: Accountability and Reform

As Harare pushes toward its “world-class city” ambitions, questions remain over enforcement accountability. Stakeholders say improving coordination between departments, potentially through digital systems tracking licensed vendors, could reduce disputes and protect compliant traders. For now, vendors in Southerton say they are caught between policy and practice, calling for urgent intervention to restore order and fairness.

Southerton municipal police harassment