Harare Town Clerk, Dr Tongai Mahachi, said all those found operating and carrying out "any trade without valid licences will be arrested" after a period of two weeks from September 1, 2011.
"The City of Harare together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (Licensing Inspectorate) wishes to remind all members of the public and all those trading and operating their businesses in Greater Harare that it is an offence to operate and trade without valid licences," Mahachi said.
He said the City of Harare had also observed that there were people trading and operating with "fake licences".
"The City of Harare is, therefore, urging such people to obtain valid licences," Mahachi said. "Valid licences are obtained at City of Harare offices situated at Rowan Martin Building."
The move follows an influx of Chinese and Nigerian nationals who have established shops where they sell items at a reduced price. The traders have become very popular among the poor workers who earn less than US$350 monthly.
Mahachi said the City of Harare officials as well as those from the ZRP would visit all shops trading in the Greater Harare area in "two weeks time" to conduct inspections of their businesses.
"City of Harare officials will be visiting all shops in possession of valid identification on their persons as Health Inspectors," he said.
"Please be further warned that all those found operating and carrying on any trade without valid licences will be arrested," Mahachi said. "Such people also risk their businesses being closed down. Please co-operate to avoid disruptions to your business operations".
Post published in: Zimbabwe News