Residents of Bulawayo’s Sizinda and Tshabalala suburbs are sounding the alarm over a growing security threat posed by vagrants occupying disused wagons belonging to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) near the Sizinda flyover.
The abandoned rail wagons, once part of the country’s key transport infrastructure, have now been turned into makeshift shelters by groups of vagrants.
What began as a squatter presence has reportedly evolved into a hotspot for criminal activity with residents accusing the group of nightly muggings and harassment.
Samuel Dhlomo, a resident of Sizinda said the situation has deteriorated to the point where the area between Cold Storage and Sizinda have become unsafe after dark.
“The vagrants have literally turned Sizinda Road and the area near the flyover into a no-go zone at night. People are living in fear because muggings are now a daily occurrence,” said Dhlomo.
Collen Moyo, a night-shift security guard recounted his recent ordeal.
“I was mugged near the flyover on my way home from work. They took my phone, my cap and US$10 before vanishing into the wagons. It all happened so fast,” he said.
He added that the attackers often operate in groups and strategically target workers commuting during late hours.
“They hide in the bushy areas as early as 6pm and ambush anyone passing by.”
Residents say women have not been spared. Those tending or harvesting maize fields near the disused wagons have reportedly been subjected to harassment and intimidation.
Nomsa Ncube, a local resident described the situation as distressing.
“Women working in the fields are now scared. Some have been chased away, insulted and threatened by these vagrants. It is no longer safe to even try to feed your family,” she said.
Another resident, Themba Sibanda said the problem reflects broader economic challenges facing Zimbabwe.
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“With unemployment so high and more people struggling to survive, you see more individuals ending up on the streets. But this cannot be allowed to turn into lawlessness. Authorities must act decisively,” he said.
Lindiwe Moyo, who lives near the affected area echoed similar concerns.
“We understand people are going through hard times but the violence and theft are too much. Our children cannot even walk safely in the evening,” she said.
Chairperson of the Tshabalala Residents Association, Gilbert Ndlovu, called for urgent intervention from both local authorities and law enforcement agencies.
“This situation is a ticking time bomb. While we acknowledge the socio-economic pressures pushing people into vagrancy, the safety of residents must come first. We are calling on the police, the city council and NRZ to work together to secure the area and remove these illegal settlements,” he said.
Ndlovu also called for long-term solutions.
“There must be sustainable interventions social support systems, rehabilitation programs and economic opportunities otherwise this problem will simply relocate and persist.”
NRZ public relations manager Andrew Kunambura said the disused wagons are due for disposal and that the issue of vagrants will soon be addressed.