Staff Reporter
Harare Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Tafadzwa Muguti has warned the space barons who are abusing council markets using party affiliation and name dropping that the long arm of the law will descend heavily on them.
Speaking through a statement in Harare yesterday, Muguti said that a Provincial Task Force would soon descend on these criminals.
“For some time now, there has been a public outcry on the continued high jacking of council markets by criminals abusing party’s affiliation,” said Muguti.
Muguti mentioned places like Mbare, Mupedzanhamo, Mbare Musika, Coca Cola Market, Glen View Home Industries and Jambanja markets as some of the known places being abused by these space barons.
He further mentioned some other businesses operating without licenses which include bottle stores, saloons and company offices.
“The province has also seen an increase in businesses operating without council and Government permits especially in the Central Business District and Medium to Low Density suburbs.
“These include retail stores, bottle stores, night clubs, lodges, hair salons, car sales, restaurants and companies in offices,” lamented Muguti.
Muguti added that a Provincial Task Force was now in place to deal with these criminals.
“To this effect, the Office of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution will lead a Provincial Task Force to deal with space barons and non-compliant businesses operating in the province,” said Muguti.
Muguti state that the Task Force will comprise of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, NSSA, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Zimbabwe Republic Police, City of Harare, Chitungwiza Municipality, Ruwa Local Board, Epworth Local Board and the Provincial Medical Directorate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muguti has urged non-compliant businesses to regularize their operations within the next fourteen days in order to avoid being shut down fined and prosecuted where such applies.
Muguti reiterated the mantra by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that no stone shall be left unturned in the fight against corruption.
“It is important to note that Harare Metropolitan Province has a Zero Tolerance Policy on Corruption and Lawlessness,” he said.
The capital is losing an excess of USD$250 000 a day to these desperate traders and vendors.
