Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Night vending will not be allowed in the country as it fuels trading of counterfeit products and illicit drugs in the communities, a Cabinet Minister said on Thursday.
Addressing the media after an engagement meeting with councilors and various stakeholders at the council chambers, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said night vending has become a conduit for dangerous substances, leading to severe public health risks, including cancer outbreaks.
He also highlighted the strain on waste management, saying vendors were relieving themselves in shop alleys and street corners, increasing the threat of diseases like cholera and typhoid.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday met with vendor representatives at State House where he issued a clear warning against night vending, citing concerns over security and a lack of necessary sanitary facilities, which could lead to disease outbreaks.
“Counterfeit products and drugs are infiltrating our cities and rural areas through night vending,” said Garwe.
“People smuggle these goods illegally into the country, and they end up in our homes, causing diseases. The surge in cancer cases we are seeing is unacceptable. By permitting night trading, we are enabling drug peddlers who operate under darkness to destroy our youth and communities,” he added.
Garwe stressed that Zimbabwe’s laws do not permit night vending, although his Ministry is exploring infrastructure upgrades to accommodate such trade in the future.
“We can’t allow an environment that breeds drug abuse at night while condemning it by day. Our stance must be clear, zero tolerance for drugs, day or night. We won’t be swayed by social media voices arguing for leniency due to economic hardships,” he said.
He acknowledged the economic challenges as a result of illegal sanctions imposed on the country, but insisted that these do not justify violation of the laws.
“We can’t violate our laws just because times are tough. Our cultural values define us as Zimbabweans, let’s uphold them,” he said, adding that defiant vendors would face “the full wrath of the law.”
Garwe also urged municipal police to treat vendors with dignity, following the directive by President Mnangagwa against harassment.
“Beating and harassing vendors is unacceptable. They are fellow citizens and deserve respect. Enforcement must be firm but humane,” he said.
“That’s what the President directed us to do yesterday. We are saying municipal policemen from Bulawayo City Council and other local authorities are expected to respect human dignity, to respect these vendors.”
New Ziana
