HARARE – Vendors at the Vito Complex in Mbare say they are living in fear of Emmanuel Mahachi, a Zanu PF-affiliated individual accused of leading a violent gang that has unleashed terror on the complex with impunity.
A number of legal battles have ensued amongst Zanu PF functionaries over ownership of the Vito Complex.
Mahachi, who was facing armed robbery charges, had his case controversially dismissed by the Harare Magistrates’ Court, which did not place him in detention.
According to court documents, Mahachi threatened to kill one Bright Nyamusopo at the complex by brandishing a gun at him, causing Nyamusopo and other workers to run, leaving behind their machinery, which Mahachi allegedly took.
Last Monday dozens of vendors fled axe-wielding assailants who pounced on them, destroying their wares, cars and also assaulting bystanders.
The attacks were captured on CCTV and the videos have since gone viral on various social media platforms leaving many calling for the arrest of the perpetrators.
The attacks are believed to have been done in revenge following the arrest of Mahachi last Saturday after another violent incident at the complex in which he allegedly pulled a gun and fired two shots in air while threatening to shoot welders at the complex.
Upon his release Mahachi and his gang went on a terrorizing spree at Vito Complex attacking everyone viewed as being aligned to the owner of the complex Blessed Charakupa while boasting that nothing will happen to them as they control the system.
“We are living in constant fear and are now afraid to report the matter to the police because even if we do nothing will happen to Mahachi and his terror gang,” lamented one of the vendors who preferred anonymity fearing victimization.
A vendor who identified herself as Mai Shupi urged the police to act and put an end to the terror gang.
“This gang has ruined our merchandise, causing us to incur losses. The proof is there, and we urge the police to act on it.
“We cannot have a situation in which one individual has so much power that everyone else is terrified.
“We all belong to the same party and should profit equally. This is now harming the party’s image,” said Mai Shupi.
“Mahachi’s goons gloat that nothing would happen to them because their leader (Mahachi) got out of court unharmed despite major allegations against him.
“Everyone now fears that reporting to the police will be a waste of time because nothing will come of it. We now call on the party’s leadership to intervene,” said another vendor who preferred anonymity.
Efforts to reach police spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi to comment on the matter were futile as his phone was not reachable.
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