Zimbabwe’s largest fresh produce market, Mbare Musika, reopened after it had been closed under the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government to control the spread of the coronavirus.

This followed a directive by President Mnangagwa last week that farmers should bring their produce to the markets during the lockdown period without hindrance.

However, the government has failed to ensure the safety of farmers and traders as there is no social distancing, sanitisers, medical face masks and control.

The market is open for a few hours, from 0600 hrs to 1130 hrs but the situation is considered a ticking Coronavirus time bomb.

CHAOTIC scenes were witnessed at the market place in Bulawayo yesterday as it also opened up.

It took police and soldiers to maintain law and order as people wrestled each other during the commotion.

Long winding queues were the order of the day as people from all walks of life thronged various fruit and vegetable shops. In some shops, elderly persons could be seen pleading with shop employees to get first preference.

Anti-riot police and soldiers kept a close eye as they continually monitored the potentially volatile situation characterised by an exchange of harsh words, particularly from vendors who accused each other of attempting to jump queues during the melee.