No deposit fines for 410 touts arrested so far

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has warned that they will not accept fines at police stations from touts arrested for defying laws, noting that those arrested will have to appear in court.

The campaign which has since netted 410 touts across the country as of June 20, 2024 has been earmarked to end all touting activities including gangs who harass, force and threaten travellers to board vehicles, is confirmed to be ongoing as police have engaged the Judicial Services Commission to ensure that those arrested in connection with the offense appear in court batches.

In a statement, Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the operation has been launched dubbed, “No to Touts” being a countrywide exercise as they seek to end traveller harassment.

He also added that there will not be deposit fines accepted at all the stations, as they have engaged the JSC for accused to appear in batches, noting that public service vehicles will also be assessed, warning that if they be found to be employing touts, they will also face the hand of the law.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a comprehensive operation dubbed, “No to Touts” throughout the country to specifically ensure that touting activities by gangs who are harassing, threatening and forcing travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis are arrested and taken to court.

“As of 20th June 2024, a total of 410 touts were arrested and taken to court for the law to take its course. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged the Judicial Service Commission for all suspects arrested to appear in court in batches. In this regard, no deposit fines will be accepted at Police stations.

Public service operators and their crew are strongly warned against employing touts. The operators will also face due consequences of the law if evidence points to them as employers of touts,” he said.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services ministry Permanent Secretary, Nick Mangwana posting on X, also expressed concern over the overspread of touts who have now made a name in the streets and ranks for harassing travellers resulting in molestations. He urged the police to arrest them, together with those that do their bidding.

“Touts and their marauding gangs have become a social menace in public spaces. They are harassing, threatening and forcing travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis. Members of the public are unsafe in their hands and treated in undignified manner. Some women complain of being subjected to molestations. Those who deploy them to do their bidding are facing arrest and being arraigned before the courts,” Mangwana wrote.

Touts have had incidences where reports of violence, molestations and harassment have been recorded with the police coming in after calls from the public to intervene.