First Street Turned into a War Zone as Vendors Clash with Municipal Police

Harare’s First Street was turned into a scene of chaos on Saturday when vendors clashed with municipal police in running battles that disrupted business and left one retail shop with a damaged plate-glass window.

The confrontation broke out around the corner of Speke Avenue and First Street before stretching towards the intersection of Jason Moyo Avenue and First Street.

Stones were thrown during the clashes as municipal police officers reportedly moved to disperse vendors operating along the street.

Some vendors alleged that the municipal police started throwing stones which had been loaded in their truck, prompting them to retaliate.

“We were just here when the municipal police came. They had stones in their truck and started throwing them at us. Once they started throwing stones, some vendors responded. We were trying to protect ourselves,” one vendor said.