Hawkers Push Back Against GH Eviction

Hawkers bringing down GH fence PICS: THALEFANG CHARLES
Hawkers bringing down GH fence PICS: THALEFANG CHARLES

Gaborone Bus Rank hawkers, newly free from lockdown, had a rude awakening upon returning to their places of trade just outside the Gaborone Hotel & Casino (GH) property last Thursday just as regulations eased.

Hawkers found GH had taken advantage of the (COVID-19) coronavirus-induced lockdown to forcibly evict them in absentia. About 30 hawkers operating adjacent to GH premises who found they were evicted in absentia are now pushing back.

The hotel owners had in the cover of the lockdown destroyed dozens of stalls at the deserted Gaborone Bus Rank and fenced in a piece of disputed land around the property that hawkers have occupied for decades. GH further sent a stern message of ‘You’re unwanted here’ with prickly pears and other cacti planted to ward off any humans.

Editor's Comment
Closure as pain lingers

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