COMMUTERS formed long queues in Harare’s CBD yesterday, waiting for ZUPCO buses, amid the police blitz on pirate taxis and mushikashika.
There were calls for more ZUPCO buses to be added on the roads and for them to operate until late into the night.
Tracy Mapiye of Budiriro, told local tabloid that one of her workmates lost valuables, which included a laptop and mobile phone recently, after boarding a mushikashika.
“It is safe and cheap although it is tiresome to wait for ZUPCO.
“However, it is better than losing life and valuables or being raped after boarding mushikashika,” said Mapiye.
“One of my workmates lost her expensive cellphone and a laptop in the Southerton area.
“They pretend to be commuters and some join you and turn against you before you reach your destination.
“We are appealing for more ZUPCO buses to curb these transport woes and the rising criminal activities involving mushikashikas.”
Police have intensified their campaign against mushikashika.
ALSO READ:Police launch another blitz
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched another operation code-named ‘Respect Other Road Users’, targeting motorists who continue violating the traffic rules and regulations countrywide.
So far, police have arrested over 2 700 motorists during the ongoing operation.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation was continuing until there is sanity on the roads.
“On April 30, 2022, police arrested 1 079 more motorists throughout the country on day three of operation ‘Respect Other Road Users/ Remekedzai Vamwe Vanoshandisa Mugwagwa/Hloniphani Abanye Abasebenzisa Umgwaqo’, bringing the cumulative arrests to 2 704.
“Motorists are advised to adhere to road rules and regulations to ensure smooth traffic flow on the roads,” he said.
The crackdown comes after last week, at least 70 more drivers of pirate taxis and unregistered vehicles were arrested in Harare yesterday as the operation targeting them continues in and around the city with 459 cars now impounded.
So far, over 640 drivers of pirate taxis usually called mushikashika, unregistered cars, street kids controlling traffic and vendors operating at intersections have been arrested in Harare during the major police operation aimed at restoring order to the streets and de-congesting the city.
