Vendors scammed by criminals posing as trade unions and space barons ahead of 5th Avenue Market commissioning

THOUSANDS of vendors could have fallen victim to unscrupulous criminals posing as informal trade unions, as well as space barons claiming to have the capability to secure vending bays at the 5th Avenue market once it is commissioned for operations.

Some vendors allege that they are each being made to pay amounts ranging from US$3 to US$250 to secure space, while also being coerced into paying US$1 a day for “protection” against municipal officers who conduct raids at the market.

They claim that at least 1 000 have been made to pay amounts to various unions and were not receipted after payment.

“Most of the vendors did not receive receipts for such payments,” said a disgruntled vendor who preferred anonymity fearing victimisation.

He said some vendors are afraid of confronting the suspects, saying they don’t want to blow their chances of securing vending bays.

“Most of the vendors are afraid of blowing their chances of getting vending bays and are confused. 5th Avenue is our source of livelihood and once that is taken we have nowhere else to go. At the present moment we need serious intervention,” said the vendor.

Another vendor alleged that the space barons are working in cahoots with Bulawayo City Council (BCC) officials who demand ridiculous amounts of money, also claiming that they will secure them vending bays as well as tip-offs about raids.

“The place is strategically located and we have been selling our wares here for years. With all the commotion and confusion happening now, we fear for our future. There are different people coming to us every day with different stories and we really need a serious official to intervene in all this,” said another vendor.

More to follow…chroicl