Police Crackdown on Mushikashika Leaves Commuters ...

Police Crackdown on Mushikashika Leaves Commuters Stranded

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police's intensified crackdown on unregistered kombis and pirate taxis has left commuters across the country struggling with high transport costs and limited options.

KInitiated in December 2024 to curb increasing road fatalities, the operation has carried over into the new year with stricter enforcement, leading to a significant reduction in available public transport.

Commuters in areas like Mabvuku/Tafara and Gazebo now pay between US$1.50 and US$2 per trip, while those in Chitungwiza, Goromonzi, and Norton are hit hardest, with peak-hour fares reaching as high as US$3. A considerable number of kombis remain impounded at police stations, including Support Unit Headquarters, as operators attempt to evade the crackdown.

In a January 10 statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that the operation targets drivers operating without permits, fitness certificates, or route authority, as well as those causing chaos on the roads by picking passengers at undesignated points and creating illegal lanes. “The operation is a response to public calls to restore order on the roads,” Nyathi stated.

Sources within the ZRP revealed that the new Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has adopted a stricter approach to reducing corruption within the force, particularly among traffic officers.

This has intensified enforcement, with police aiming to impound over 13,500 illegal kombis and taxis out of approximately 16,500 nationwide.

At a meeting held on December 14, 2024, Commissioner Bazibi Dube, Chief Staff Officer Operations, acknowledged that only 2,950 of the country's kombis meet the required standards.

“This operation is here to stay,” Dube declared. “We embarked on this mission after identifying a significant problem on our roads. Violations will not be tolerated.”

However, the timing of the crackdown—during the busiest travel period of the year—has sparked frustration among commuters and operators alike. Major urban areas have seen hordes of stranded passengers at informal pick-up points, including the intersections of Julius Nyerere and Robert Mugabe, Jason Moyo and Angwa, and others in Harare’s Central Business District.

Knowledge, a commuter from Chitungwiza, lamented the challenges caused by the crackdown. “Kombi drivers drop us before the Seke Road Flyover, saying, ‘Makaberekera ingwe muCBD,’” he explained, adding that he now frequently arrives late to work and rarely gets home in time to see his children.

Mai Munashe, a commuter from Ruwa, offered a balanced perspective. “While the crackdown aims to prevent accidents, it has reduced the number of kombis, making life harder for us,” she said.

Kombi operators have also expressed their frustrations. Khedha, who operates the Mabvuku/Tafara route, explained, “Many of our colleagues are grounded because their kombis are impounded. We now charge US$1.50 or more since we can't complete our usual trips with police constantly on our heels.”

He added that the use of round fares is due to challenges in accessing local currency for change.