The operation has targeted suspected members of the ‘mandimbandimba’, who pose as touts and rank marshals at bus ranks across the city and use intimidation and harassment to force minibus drivers to hand over ‘protection fees’.
This intimidation has also boiled over into violence, and last week scores of minibus drivers and some passers-by were assaulted at the Charge Officer bus rank over the fees. It’s understood that a soldier was one of the victims of the attack, and earlier this week a group of 20 soldiers exacted their revenge, indiscriminately beating up touts, rank marshals and passersby at the same bus rank.
The police have now stepped in and on Wednesday morning launched a major blitz against all suspected touts, rank marshals and anyone linked to the ‘mandimbandimba’ across the city. SW Radio Africa’s correspondent in Harare, Simon Muchemwa, reported that the regular police were supported by anti riot police and military groups.
“The operation also went wider, with the police raiding some premises where the people believed to be part of this gang usually operate. The police raided two gyms and other areas and arrested many people. Some were identified for wearing ZANU PF regalia,” Muchemwa said.
He explained that it is very likely that some innocent people have been caught up in the blitz, echoing concerns raised by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP). The group witnessed some bystanders being attacked by the police on Wednesday. They also reported seeing police beating a young man, accusing him of being one of the ‘mandimbandimba’.
The group has been repeatedly linked to the ZANU PF youth militia-fronted Chipangano gang, who have taken over control of market stalls and bus ranks across the capital. ZANU PF has previously turned a blind eye to the terror tactics employed by the youth gang, who have led a campaign of violence against Harare residents and perceived opposition supporters for years.
But the gang is understood to be out of control and Muchemwa reported Thursday that Harare residents are questioning why the usually partisan police are clamping down on the gang.
“People are wondering why this is happening, because they have been doing this for years. Many believe this is a sign of ZANU PF infighting, with one faction vying for Chipangano’s heads,” Muchemwa reported. SW Radio Africa
Post published in: News