By A Correspondent

There is chaos in the city of Masvingo as municipal police officers from the city council have been accused of tormenting street vendors.

The crackdown comes as part of a broader government directive for local authorities to clear vendors from the streets within 48 hours.

The government has justified this drastic move, blaming vendors for disrupting normal business operations in the Central Business District (CBD).

However, many believe the decision is rooted in political concerns, particularly with the growing possibility of widespread protests.

Political analysts suggest that the government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is fearful of the growing unrest after war veteran Blessed Geza’s recent declaration that Mnangagwa must step down.

Geza vowed, “If Mnangagwa doesn’t resign, the people will take to the streets in protest,” fueling fears within the administration of an impending popular uprising.

Vendors, who rely on their street businesses for survival, expressed their deep frustration with the government’s harsh stance. One vendor, visibly upset, shared, “This is too much. We have no jobs, no opportunities. Vending is the only way we can feed our families. How are we supposed to survive now?” Another vendor added, “The council doesn’t understand that we’re not criminals; we are just trying to make a living in a failing economy.”

While the government claims the measure is necessary for maintaining order and hygiene, the move has only intensified feelings of injustice among the vendors. As the crackdown intensifies, the city of Masvingo, once calm and quiet, now finds itself on the edge of a simmering conflict, as both political tensions and economic desperation continue to rise.