Harare police launch mushikashika blitz

Zim Now Writer

Police in Harare arrested several operators on Monday, and impounded vehicles after launching a blitz against pirate taxis (mushikashika).

Harare Metropolitan provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said mushikashika has resulted in a spike in reports of rape and robberies.

Insp Chakanza urged the public to shun pirate taxis and use buses for their safety.

Said Insp Chakanza: “We are carrying out this blitz because we have cases of armed robbers we have those reports of rape and robberies. We are encouraging commuters to use buses.”

Zimbabwe Passenger Transporters Organisation Chairperson, Sam Nhanhanga said: “We believe at the moment we have enough busses, we are awaiting the government to tell us what we need to do to be able to serve the urban areas.”

Pirate taxis became popular during Covid-19-induced lockdowns when the government monopolised public transport through the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company.

Zupco buses and kombis could not meet the demand, forcing commuters to turn to mushikashika.