units were deployed by the city council to conduct a city clean
up under the code, “Operation Restore Order”. The alleged
peaceful clean up turned violent when the units started
running street battles with vendors. Many street vendors were
assaulted, as others had their carts overturned and goods
confiscated. There were council and police vehicles which
ferried part of the goods to unknown destinations. In a
telephone interview Harare City Council spokesperson
Chideme said that most vendors have been defiant of council
orders.
Figure 2: Street vendors forced to sell at night to evade
council raids
On 13 October in Zengeza East ward 13, Zanu PF youth
chairperson identified only as Chakanyuka Chakanyuka was
issuing residents with affidavit forms threatening to unleash
violence in 2018 if people vote in favour of opposition
Figure 1: anti-riot police deployments at Robert Mugabe and
movements. Chakanyuka was stationed at Zengeza 4 shops
4th
next to a ZEC tent distributing affidavit forms for Biometric
Voter Registration (BVR). He openly remarked that if people
vote in favour of opposition movements, the ruling party will
assault people after elections. Among those who received
these threatening messages are Takesure Chisvo* and
Misheck Banda*.
On 15 September in Chitungwiza South Unit N, ward 23,
Zanu PF youths Cephas Maramba, Lazarus Gomo, Gilbert
Manyozo, Timothy Chitembwe, Martin also known as
Mbombo and Pardon Chitembwe led by party chairperson
14