Traders at the Damongo daily market have expressed worry over the incessant criminal activities that they are bedevilled with.
The situation they say has left them vulnerable and frustrated and thus called for an immediate end to the menace.
The market, which is the lifeblood of the local economy, has been suffering an intense incidence of theft, vandalism, and strange occurrences that have traders fearing for their safety and livelihoods.
According to the traders, it has become a stock in trade for faceless criminals to break into their stores and containers, making off with goods and money, and leaving behind traces of destruction and damages.
The market women, who are the backbone of the market, have been particularly hard hit, with many reporting that their stalls and containers have been targeted multiple times.
A leading trader at the market, Madam Fuseina, shared her ordeal in an exclusive interview with Spearfm.com.
“I came to my stall one morning to find that my container had been broken into and my goods were gone. It was as if they had a field day, ransacking my stall and making off with everything”, she lamented.
The traders suspect that the stolen goods are being sold to food vendors, who are either complicit in the thefts or unaware of the illegal activities.
Madam Fuseina therefore pleaded with the public to be vigilant and to only purchase from authorized traders or farmers.
“We are not just losing our goods and money, we are also losing our dignity. We urge the public to support us by buying from us directly and not from unscrupulous vendors who may be selling stolen goods”, she cautioned.
The traders, also reported strange occurrences, such as finding condom disposals, Indian hemp pieces, and faeces in their stalls and containers, suggesting that the market is being used as a haven for illicit activities at night.
They lamented that the situation is getting out of control and are therefore calling on the authorities to take decisive action to curb the disturbing incidents.
Meanwhile, it was reported that on Friday July 5, 2024, at around 1:00 a.m., a night watchman pounced on some suspected thieves who took to their heels leaving behind stolen items.
The incident has heightened tensions in the market, with traders demanding more security measures to protect their businesses and properties.
They proposed for the authorities to provide a task force and additional security lights to curb the disturbing incidents. They are also calling on parents to warn their children against using the market as a night-time hangout, fearing that they may be complicit in the thefts or be victims of the strange occurrences.
The market women’s cry for help echoes the need for enhanced security measures to protect their businesses and properties. The situation is a stark reminder of the challenges that traders face in the municipality and the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of crime and insecurity
