Harare Post Reporter

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) hooligans led by that party’s Harare provincial youth assembly secretary for industry and commerce, Last Chinodya recently unleashed violence in Mbare that left several vehicles damaged and some people nursing injuries.

A source who spoke to the publication said that last Friday, Chinodya led a group of over 50 hooligans from Nenyere Flats in Mbare to illegally collect money from vendors operating at the Mupedzanhamo area.

The source added that vendors at Mupedzanhamo refused to give the money to Chinodya arguing that they were now tired of being bullied and fleeced by the CCC youth leader.

“The violence was sparked when Chinodya attempted to illegally collect money from vendors who operate at Mupedzanhamo area. The vendors refused to pay the money to Chinodya and that triggered the chaos that erupted. At least four vehicles were damaged and several people were injured during the melee,” said the source.

The source added that the CCC hooligans were wielding sticks and pelted the vendors at Mupedzanhamo with stones. Chinodya was reportedly directed the group to destroy every vending stall because the owners were big headed.

According to the source, this was not the first time for Chinodya to illegally collect money from vendors as other CCC youth leaders were also in the habit of demanding ‘protection fees’ from Mbare vendors.

The same source said that owners of the damaged vehicles and the injured people reported the case at the Matapi Police Station and investigations were underway. The Police have already arrested two CCC supporters, Fungai Mwanamutsi and Walter Goriat in connection with the violence.

The duo appeared before Mbare Magistrate, Rangarirai Gakanje last Monday and was remanded in custody.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record for denouncing violence and urging tolerance among citizens as the 2023 elections draws closer.