Council, police plan raids on vendors

Thousands of food vendors in Harare are set to be raided by the city council following the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum issued to unregulated traders on Tuesday.

In a bid to contain the spread of waterborne diseases, such as typhoid, council said vendors trading in illegal points should move out  accusing them of worsening the spread of typhoid.

Two people have since died due to typhoid.

The typhoid outbreak has spread to Budiriro and Glen View suburbs.

 According to council  spokesperson, Michael Chideme, they are ready to move in and police will assist them.

"We have enlisted police support to help us implement our by-laws. We have completed the mapping and surveillance of the areas we are going to enforce" he said giving no time-frame for the raids.

The city, which is grappling to combat typhoid through banning food vending, failed to enforce the ban.

 Vendors defied the ultimatum as it was business "as usual" all over the capital Friday, Herald reported.

Pushcart fruit and vegetable vendors were busy cashing in on their produce while those who roast maize occupied their usual spots.
Meat vendors were busy at their usual selling points.