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This article participates on the following special index pages:
Operation Murambatsvina - Countrywide evictions of urban poor - Index of articles
CCJP
statement on "Operation restore order"
Catholic Commission
for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJP)
May 30, 2005
The Catholic
Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe along with all peace
loving and concerned citizens have been disturbed by the way in
which the law enforcement agents especially the Zimbabwe Republic
Police have handled the so called "Operation Restore Order"
or "Operation Murambatsvina" in Harare and other towns
and cities around the country.
The exercise
has resulted in unlicensed vendors goods and money being confiscated
and at the same time vendors themselves assaulted. The Commission
is strongly in favour of the idea of fighting crime in the country,
but we are concerned about the manner in which the whole exercise
is being conducted. The behaviour of the members of the police who
are taking part in this operation is excessively violent and lacks
the respect of the human being.
When the vendors
constructed their shelters and conducted their activities in all
these cities and towns, this was in full view of the local governing
authorities. Why did they not forbid them from constructing these
structures from the start or allocate them designated selling/trading
points.
The Councils
and the police should have given the vendors due notice for them
to remove their goods to designated vending sites. Most of these
vendors are genuine people trying to eke out a living using honest
means. Only a small fraction among them could be involved in illegal
activities.
When dealing
with human beings, caution must be exercised to avoid violating
their rights. "Whatsoever you do to the list of my brothers,
that you do unto me". Mat 25 vs40. The Commission does not
want to read these swoops as having a hidden political motive.
We suggest that
this operation, which has spread to other centres throughout the
country, be stopped while the concerned Councils find other areas
to place them. Targeting innocent and defenceless people who are
earning a living using honest means is taking people for granted.
A.M. Chaumba
National Director
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