A ZANU PF member died following violent clashes at the Mupedzanhamo Market in Mbare, Harare which was also partly burnt by the rioting mob.
Scores of people were left injured during the clashes on Friday amid a dispute over control of the place.
The ZANU PF member collapsed and died at a city hospital from injuries sustained when he was hit on the head with a wooden stick during the chaos, The Herald reported.
Police said 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the skirmishes.
Police had to fire teargas to disperse the rogue elements who were burning down stalls and wares of traders.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the mishap.
One person is said to have died and we are still conducting investigations. 13 suspects have been arrested with investigations also underway.
ZANU PF Ward 4 (Mbare) Councillor Martin Matinyanya said the deceased was a ZANU PF member. He said:
The deceased was hit in the head with a wooden stick by CCC members. He collapsed at a local hospital where he had gone to seek treatment.
Several other people were also injured some in the head, arms, and legs.
They were demanding cash from the traders and some refused to pay them that is when they became violent and started burning their stalls. The masterminds are CCC and we know them.
Eyewitnesses said the clashes started last Friday night and they woke up on Saturday seeing some of the stalls burnt. They then continued the whole day engaging in running battles with the traders.
A fast food operator in the area, Mrs Joice Muwirimi, was left counting her losses. She told The Herald:
Since the weekend, I am yet to record any sales. I survive from hand-to-mouth and the situation has been dire here.
I was just coming every day to check if the situation has normalised, but today it was even scary with riot police chasing away the violent thugs that were burning stalls and wares.
Mr Anthony Sherede blamed Harare City Council for failing to take control of Mupedzanhamo which has been closed for over a year now forcing traders to seek vending places outside the market and an open area around Rufaro Stadium.
Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Innocent Ruwende said the council’s informal sector committee recently made a resolution to regularise some of the unofficial markets, a move that would provide a lasting solution whilst also benefiting the local authority.
He said the Small and Medium Enterprises committee recently toured prospective vending sites in Crowborough North, Mufakose, Glen View, and Sunningdale.