By City Correspondent
Harare – A storm is once again brewing around a Harare City Council official only identified as Magaya, whose photographs went viral last week while allegedly collecting “protection fees” from vendors operating in the Central Business District (CBD).
Despite the public outcry that followed the viral pictures, Magaya reportedly returned to the streets on Saturday, boldly instructing vendors to continue paying him the illicit fees if they wished to operate without harassment or arrest.
Eyewitnesses said Magaya, appearing defiant, bragged that no consequences would ever befall him, even after being exposed. He allegedly boasted that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) would not dare investigate him because he was “a hot charcoal and untouchable,” further claiming that his actions were sanctioned by senior officials within the City Council.
Several vendors expressed frustration, saying they felt trapped in an endless cycle of extortion. While they condemned Magaya’s actions, many admitted that true to his claims, he appears immune from accountability.
“We have reported and complained, but nothing changes. He has been doing this for years. No one from the council or police tries to stop him,” said one vendor, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made the fight against corruption a central pillar of governance. However, incidents such as Magaya’s alleged misconduct continue to dent the reputation of institutions like the Harare City Council and weaken public confidence in anti-graft efforts.
Analysts say the failure to deal decisively with individuals accused of corruption sends a dangerous signal to both the public and other officials who may be tempted to abuse their authority.
The controversy first erupted on 30 August 2025, when images of Magaya allegedly extorting money from vendors spread like wildfire on social media.
A live update that accompanied the pictures read:
“A City Council official by the name Magaya, in a drunken state, romping around the city collecting ‘protection fees’ from vendors. If there’s no money, he confiscates goods. As seen, he took phone pouches from one vendor who refused to give him a bribe near the Foot Bridge at Speke and Rezende. Spread the word, expose corruption… ZACC, ZRP, Harare City Council, please arrest the culprit, arrest Magaya.”
With pressure mounting, residents and vendors alike are calling for swift action to restore public trust. Many argue that allowing individuals like Magaya to operate unchecked undermines not only the credibility of the City Council but also the wider national efforts to curb corruption.
As things stand, all eyes are on ZACC, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the Harare City Council to see whether they will rise to the occasion or let Magaya’s case become yet another file lost in the system.
