Extortionists demand money from Harare vendors for “protection”

The City of Harare has warned residents against fake public notices being circulated in parts of the city by occupants of a Honda Fit, registration number AHN 7672.

In a public notice issued on 12 October 2026, the City said it had received reports from some residents that occupants of the vehicle were misleading the public by claiming to represent vendors.

According to the Council, the group is attempting to extort money from vendors, purportedly for “protection” from municipal authorities who are lawfully carrying out duties against illegal vending.

“The City hereby notifies all residents that there is no one authorised and deployed by the City to undertake such acts of disinformation bordering on criminality,” the notice reads.

The local authority urged residents to ignore all fake notices spread by unruly individuals and to seek accurate information from their local Councillors or Council District Offices.

The City reiterated that vending at undesignated places remains illegal and said it will continue to enforce by-laws, which include charging prescribed fees and levies for hawking and informal trading at designated places.

It said payments for authorised vending sites and informal trading at designated places should only be made to Council through its banking halls, not to individuals.

Residents were urged to stay alert and to report any suspicious notices to Council officials.

“The City will take stern measures against any criminals scheming to fleece residents through misrepresentation of facts or impersonating municipal officials,” the Council said.

The warning comes as the City has intensified enforcement against illegal vending in the central business district and other undesignated areas.

Source: Extortionists demand money from Harare vendors for “protection” ⋆ Pindula News

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