Informal traders from Chitungwiza were this week forced to close shop to attend the Independence Day celebrations held at the National Sports Stadium. This included flea market and market stall owners who were allocated stands by Zanu (PF) officials in the area.
Some of the flea market owners who spoke to The Zimbabwean on condition of anonymity said that on Independence Day, they were told to be at pick up points by 6.30am.
They said whenever Zanu (PF) held major events, they were forced to close their businesses and attend.
“On April 17, there was a meeting organised by Zanu (PF) youths who told us that we were all supposed to close for business and go to the National Sports Stadium to hear the President speak.
“The youths said that those who did not attend risked losing their market stalls. We had no option but to attend the Independence Day celebrations,” said a flea market owner from Zengeza 2. Another informal trader said the Zanu (PF) youths had devised a system to identify people defying their orders.
“They have a register that they use to check who is there and who is absent.
If you are found to be absent your stand will be confiscated and given to other people from the party Zanu (PF),” said the informal trader who declined to be named.
MDC-T Secretary for Policy Research and Coordination in Chitungwiza, Lloyd Damba, confirmed the development.
“All market stalls in Chitungwiza were closed after the traders were forced to go to the National Sports Stadium for the Independence Day celebrations by Zanu (PF). The same happens whenever Zanu (PF) is holding rallies or when a national hero is being buried but the question is should people be forced to attend?” said Damba.
The same is true in Mbare at Magaba, Chishawasha Cooperative where Zanu (PF) youths hold regular meetings with the informal traders who are told to vote for the party in the forthcoming elections.
Post published in: News