AS the Zanzibar government has vowed not to allow petty traders back to Darajani Street, security guards are reportedly harassing people passing at the area.
Eyewitnesses said some people including a Maasai woman were recently beaten by security guards deployed at the area for 24 hours.
Apart from guards there were paramilitary officers also stationed at the area. These are from anti-corruption unit (KMKM), economic building force (JKU) and Volunteers.
Police were involved in the eviction of petty traders.
''Since the recent eviction exercise, it has been calm and most of the petty traders have shifted to a new location at Saateni.
"We are aware of human rights abuse going on here. People are being beaten and harassed,'' complained an eyewitness, Mr Omar Hassan.
''We have just witnessed a young boy, about 17 years old being dragged and beaten by security guards, just for passing near Darajani. He was beaten and later told to go away,'' he added.
The Urban-West Regional Police Commander (RPC) Aziz Juma told the 'Daily News' when contacted that such acts were unacceptable.
''We are not involved in guarding the area, but it is not acceptable for any security officer to violate human rights. Any criminal is supposed to be taken to court,'' he stated.
On January 19, this year, Zanzibar government through its Municipal council, forcefully drove out of the Darajani area hundreds of petty traders (nicknamed Dada Njoo, or Machinga).
The Second Vice president Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi said the move was in response to the people's complaints about misbehavior of the traders.
''Darajani including Darajani School and Vikokotoni school areas should be free of petty business.
"The traders should not be allowed back. We should help our students attend classes without inconvenience,'' said Ambassador Iddi.
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