Welcome to Harare!

Beware of pickpockets in Harare! Source: londonnet.co.uk

This week i was finally welcomed to Harare! LOL!

The welcoming party finally located me. Guys i have been living in Harare for over 18 months, where have you been?

At least now i can laugh about it. On Tuesday i took a commuter omnibus to work as usual. The guys who were in the Kombi (as we call them in Zimbabwe) looked genuine to me, so i didn't think twice when i boarded. The guys were in a hurry, as are all commuter omnibus drivers in the morning rush hour.

I sat in front, sandwiched between the driver and this other guy, who looked like a genuine passenger to me. After we had gone a few kilometers  the conductor warned the driver that they might be a police roadblock ahead. So he suggested this guy who was sitting at the back to and come join us in front since he knew the police officers manning the roadblock.

So the guy jumps in front and i am now squashed in between these guys. I then start protesting to the driver, why  i should be squashed when the Kombi is half full. He totally ignores me (that's why the Bulawayo City Council says these guys should go for Public Relations and Customer Care training).

Another few kilometers of the journey, the driver suddenly makes a turn around and says he is no longer proceeding to the city center because of the presence of the police on the road. He politely asks me to disembark and look for another ride to take me to town.

I was relieved, only but for a second.

When I check my left trouser pocket, i discover that my wallet together with all the money that has vanished. I had been robbed, typical Harare style!

I was sad for a little while but every time i replayed that unfortunate scenario i became convinced that had i seen the guy pick my pocket and raised the alarm, maybe they would have kidnapped me and rob me of all my belongings and then dump me in some bush.

Yes i was robbed and its no joke but I am grateful i still have my life and other valuable belongings I had that day. I can always apply for a new Identity Card and Bank Card. Can i apply for another set of life? nah!

So i have promised myself that from now on i will be reading the Saturday edition of the NewsDay, who have a section where they advertise lost ID's. Maybe someone has already picked mine.

Welcome to Harare Zibonele!