A 28-year-old vendor was yesterday fined US$80 by the Harare Magistrates’ Court for selling vegetables without a valid licence in the city centre.
Rufaro Mudzimu of Mbare appeared before Magistrate Caroline Matanga charged with contravening city by-laws after she was arrested by municipal police along Julius Nyerere Way.
Prosecutor Mr. Allen Dube told the court that on October 15, municipal officers were conducting routine patrols when they found Mudzimu displaying vegetables and fruits on the pavement without authorization. She failed to produce a trading licence and was taken to Central Police Station.
In her defence, Mudzimu told the court that she was trying to earn a living to support her two children and was unaware that selling in that area required a special licence.
“I was just trying to feed my family, Your Worship. I did not know I needed another paper to sell there,” she said.
Magistrate Matanga, however, said laws must be respected regardless of circumstances.
“While the court appreciates your situation, you must operate within the confines of the law,” she ruled.
Mudzimu was fined US$80 or 20 days in prison if she fails to pay.
