An unusual and shocking scene unfolded in Harare’s city centre after a street vendor reportedly had his goods confiscated during a routine city council operation. Witnesses say the vendor became visibly upset as municipal officers loaded his merchandise, which he depended on for daily income. What followed left pedestrians stunned and quickly drew a crowd.
According to eyewitness accounts, the angry vendor staged a dramatic protest by relieving himself in the middle of the CBD, turning a tense enforcement operation into a moment of chaos. Shoppers, commuters, and nearby vendors looked on in disbelief as security rushed to control the situation, while some people recorded videos that immediately began circulating on social media.
The incident has since sparked heated debate online. Many sympathize with the vendor, pointing to economic hardship, unemployment, and the daily struggles of informal traders. Others condemned the act, saying frustration should never be expressed in a way that disrupts public spaces. As the clip continues to trend, the moment has reopened discussions about vendor regulation, humane enforcement, and the growing pressure on livelihoods in Zimbabwe’s urban centres.