By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 22 November 2025 – Mutare Mayor Simon Chabuka has announced a citywide operation targeting illegal tuckshops, unregulated vending and farming activities in mountains, riverbanks and undesignated areas, saying Council must enforce the law to restore order.
Speaking during a Full Council meeting held yesterday, Chabuka said the local authority will issue notices before demolishing the mushrooming illegal tuckshops in Dangamvura, Chikanga and Sakubva.
“The Council will demolish tuckshops, deal with the vendors and act on those who farm in the mountains, riverbanks and undesignated places,” he said.
Chabuka urged councillors to educate communities about compliance, stressing that the exercise is not a witch-hunt but a requirement of municipal regulations.
“If we do not act according to the law, the responsible authority will descend on us. My plea to councillors is: advise the community. It’s not witch hunting, but compliance with the law,” he said.
The Mayor also raised concern over unregulated vending in the Central Business District, saying the situation has worsened to the point where pavements and shop entrances are now blocked.
He cited the area around Bata as one of the most problematic zones.
“I could not even walk at Bata. Vendors are closing the pavement and the doors of shops. I did not say we do not want vendors, but blocking pavements and the doors of shops that are paying licences is not the best option,” Chabuka said.
Chabuka further condemned illegal farming activities on mountainsides and along riverbanks, warning that the city will not allow environmental degradation to continue.
He singled out Dangamvura Mountain, where residents have reportedly cultivated up to halfway up the slope.
“People should stop that and, as the City Council, we will not allow that,” he said, adding that all farming in undesignated areas will be dealt with.