Police in Bulawayo on Monday launched a blitz targeting illegal foreign currency dealers popularly known as Osiphatheleni after Chief Justice Luke Malaba ordered their removal from the streets.
Chief Justice Malaba, while officiating at the opening of three additional court rooms at the Bulawayo High Court on Friday, expressed concern at the presence of the illegal money traders outside Tredgold Building which houses the Bulawayo Magistrates` courts.
He tasked the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) in conjunction with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to take osiphatheleni off the streets.
On Monday afternoon, police swooped in on the unsuspecting forex traders and arrested some of them while others managed to evade arrest.
On forex trader who spoke to CITE, said they are used to such operations and they will soon be back on business.
“They sometimes come and cause chaos but then go away after some time, next week it will be business as usual,” she said.
Illegal money changers have been accused of manipulating the parallel market forcing prices of basic goods to spiral. .
The operation also left some people who wanted to change their money stranded.
“l need to send Rands to South Africa and it is urgent. We usually change our money here as there is nowhere else we can get good rates,” said one lady.
The country is facing an economic meltdown evidenced by the bond and RTGS dismally losing value against the US$.
On Monday, US$100 was trading at $250 bond notes.
