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TANZANIA: 2 PEOPLE KILLED IN A RIOTS OVER STREET CLEAN UP March 13, 2006
Apunyu Bonny
(SomaliNet) At least two people were killed and several others injured in a riot when police confiscated street vendors` wares in an effort to clean up the towns. United Press International reported Sunday.
Rioting began after police and security guards confiscated vendors` wares and shops and offices were shut down halting business for at least four hours in Tanzania's capital,Dar es Salaam.
Mean while, Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Hon. Edward Lowassa said he would halt the operation to allow local authorities and vendors more time to prepare for the change.
Before anti-riot police quelled the violence with tear gas Kiosks were demolished and vendors removed in the capital, Dar es Salaam.
Vendors complain that their new trading spots are not downtown, and they are being denied their right to earn a living. Many say they were given licenses and paid taxes and expect compensation for destruction of their property.
According to press reports, vendors are blamed for an increase in petty crime.