Maravi

(NEWZIMBABWE) Mugabe turns up at market trader's funeral

Mugabe turns up at market trader's funeral
by
06/10/2009 00:00:00

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe on Monday paid a surprise visit to a funeral wake for a 70-year-old woman killed in protests over the planned closure of an informal market in Harare.

Martha Chitambira, a trader, was taking part in street protests on September 23 called by the Zimbabwe Home Industries and Markets Association when a gang of stone-throwing youths sparked riotous scenes.

The youths are thought to have been trying to steal the traders’ wares at the market stalls in the poor Mbare township, also known as Mupedzanhamo.

Chitambira was struck on the head by a stone and died on admission at Harare Central Hospital.

Mugabe, not known to attend funerals of private citizens, gave short notice to the family ahead of his arrival at the Waterfalls home where mourners were gathered. He was accompanied by his wife, Grace.

He told mourners he had met Chitambira at the Roman Catholic Church and they had “good relations”.

Mugabe described the attack on the protesters as “deplorable”, blaming it on “gangs bent on causing divisions in the country”. But he pleaded with the family not to seek revenge.

Mugabe told the mourners: “People don't just die because it’s the Lord's choice, some die from illness and some die because they have reached the end of their life.

“This loss is so painful because it was planned by gangs at Mupedzanhamo, gangs that organise to kill and maim people.

“We are now burdened by the weight and load of this unfortunate event, but I believe that is the way life has changed now because of the many crazy and dangerous people in our country.

"These violent acts are deplorable because they cause division especially when the victims plan to revenge.”

Police have arrested up to 12 people over the violence, and the Chitambira family has warned the individual behind the attack to come out and “make peace” with them.

The MDC-controlled Harare City Council has voted to shut down the Mupedzanhamo Flea Market as a temporary measure to carry out an audit. But this is being resisted by traders who fear their livelihoods are threatened.

Harare councillors say they believe that politicians, council staff, and former city commissioners have grabbed stalls at the flea market – some operating as many as 10 trading stands.

The council says the market is for the poor and vulnerable residents with no other sources of income, and the audit is necessary to flush out multiple stall owners.

Labels: MARKETEERS, MUGABE

posted by MrK @ 4:14 PM