In São Paulo’s Brás district, a tragic pattern of violence against street vendors has emerged. Edineide Aparecida Rodrigues, a street vendor and state-protected witness, was shot dead outside her home just 16 days after the police killing of Senegalese vendor Ngagne Mbaye. Rodrigues had previously testified about militia activities and extortion schemes at the Feira da Madrugada, a major market in Brás.
Rodrigues’ murder has intensified tensions among street vendors, who describe their working environment as a “pressure cooker.” José Pedro Neto, a water vendor and member of the São Paulo Street Vendors Forum, likened the situation to a “minefield” due to daily threats from both police and criminal groups. Vendors allege that police officers, under the “Delegada Operation,” have been involved in extortion, demanding weekly payments and a hefty “luva” fee for vendors to operate in the area. Those unable to pay often resort to loan sharks, leading to further exploitation.
In response to these abuses, vendors have organized protests and sought meetings with city officials. However, their efforts have been met with indifference, as evidenced by a recent meeting where only four out of a group of protesters were allowed entry, only to find that the deputy mayor had left. This lack of accountability has left vendors feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
The situation in Brás highlights a broader issue of systemic abuse and impunity, where the very institutions meant to protect citizens are implicated in perpetuating harm. As vendors continue to face violence and exploitation, their calls for justice remain unanswered, underscoring the urgent need for reform and accountability in São Paulo’s governance.
Brazil Militia Picture for Illustration purpose only
