Police chase night vendors at �murder� spot

Sharon Mathala | Tuesday November 15, 2016 16:51

Those present at the Complex,  which houses the popular Gaborone hangout, Zoom Nightclub, say by Saturday night no street vendor was operating around the area.

Mmegi had previously been informed that the street vendors were the main cause of the havoc around the area. Sources say that the street vendors attracted people who camped outside the area, leading to increased incidents of crime, including murder.

Police spokesperson, Witness Bosija confirmed that the police had dispersed some of the street vendors over the weekend.

“Most of them did not have trading licences. It is against the law for them to trade without licences,” Bosija said, refuting allegations that the operation was motivated by the recent killings at the area.

Bosija insisted that vendors should abide by the trading laws. “There are terms to the trading licences, as in the times they should trade, and the place.

The operation was not only for that area; the same will be done in other areas.” One of the street vendors alleged that the police assaulted them. She said: “They were beating people since Friday. Even customers, whoever they found around the area, they did not even ask. I saw all this as I was hiding by the filling station.

“I do not know what I am going to do. How I am going to feed my family? But I will make a plan, because I do not want to get beaten.”

In a previous interview, one of the Zoom Nightclub managers blamed the street vendors for the increased crime incidents at the area. “They don’t just sell food and sweets, they sell alcohol too, illegally. This then attracts people to the area. That is why the car park is always packed,” he said.

He further alleged that, “patrons do not get inside the club; they buy alcohol outside from the vendors. At most times, the very same people end up fighting and being unruly. This always comes back to us because it is within the club vicinity”.

As previously reported, the court heard that the police were present when a man was stabbed to death at the Maruapula Shopping Complex last weekend. This was the second murder within a week.