BVTA Statement on assault of informal traders in Bulawayo

18 July, 2023

Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) learns with shock the assault of informal traders that was widely reported on social media at 5th Avenue in Bulawayo.

We have at many occasions on record, condemned and frowned upon the issue of space barons who are undermining all local government laws and national laws that govern the informal economy.

Our conviction is that no group must put the law unto itself, it is a crime to assault those who are working hard to eke a living, and we hope law enforcements agents will rise above this matter and arrest the perpetrators of violence against informal traders, informal traders have overtime decried abuse from space barons who demand a dollar a day for protection.

We also urge informal traders to be vigilant and not kow tow to these unscrupulous individuals who always promise them protection through demanding, bribes and extortionist shenanigans. Informal traders are out there to work and provide for their families not to be abused by illegal space barons hiding behind political connections.

We are very sorry to the journalist who was assaulted while covering acts of violence meted on informal traders in Bulawayo Central Business District.

We believe violence in any form has no place in our society, hence we will continue to advocate for safe and decent working spaces for informal traders particularly vulnerable groups like women informal traders.

We call for multi stakeholder dialogues to resolve informal traders’ challenges and eliminate the risks of working in the informal economy.

Issued by BVTA Information and Publicity Unit
Contact details: Fourth floor, Suite 406, Fidelity Life Building Fife street and 11th Avenue Email:bulawayovendors@gmail.com Facebook: Bulawayo Vendors Trust/ Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association Twitter: @bvtatrust Website: www.bvtatrust.org Phone: +263 713 635 908

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