The city that lives in fear Fuel shortages, roadblocks, hijackings and intimidation are all part of daily life in Harare. That is, if you can find a station selling petrol. Other motorists fear hijackings by armed gangs. The Insurance Council estimates an average of 20 hijackings a month, a sharp increase from last year. The rise runs parallel to farm invasions.
Criminals piggyback on government-sanctioned lawlessness.
Today, going to the post office, the gym and the supermarket, I went through five roadblocks within a 3km radius. Given the statistics, these roadblocks don't seem to be catching many carjackers. They are cosmetic, for the benefit of observers and for the intimidation of locals. Police do not mount roadblocks in Mberengwa or Murehwa, where militia are on the rampage, unless there is a rally. But war veterans do.