Operation Sunshine Three nets 500 pirate vehicles

FAMILY FRIEND RAPS TEENAGER | H-Metro — **Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova**

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police are clamping down on illegal taxis as part of efforts to combat cases of kidnapping and murder involving pirate vehicles.

This follows the brutal murder of a 17-year-old Chivhu teenager at the hands of unknown assailants in Mvuma last week.

The deceased, John Mbano from Chivhu, had boarded a Toyota SUV with two other passengers, heading to Masvingo which had four people inside.

The boy was robbed of his cash and groceries before he was dumped in a nearby bush, where police found his lifeless body later.

John’s death is adding to the body count of innocent victims who fall prey to pirate taxi bandits.

ZRP Harare Province Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova, said the ZRP is taking a firm stance to flush out the social misfits.

“As the police, we have since launched Operation Sunshine Three where we are targeting unregistered motor vehicles, mushikashikas, touts and any other traffic offenders.

“We started the operation on Thursday last week and we have arrested more than 520 vehicles. We are encouraging the travelling public to board ZUPCO buses and other recognised public transport operators,” Assistant Inspector Webster Dzvova said.

The public have applauded the police for the blitz against pirate taxis.

“We want to commend the ZRP for launching such an operation because cases of people who are falling victim to illegal pirate taxis are on the increase.

“This will help bring sanity in our cities especially in Harare because we are being taken for a ride by these pirate taxis. Penalties for those found on the wrong side of the law should be deterrent enough to send a clear message to would-be offenders,” said a source.