The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched a blitz against private taxis in Harare Central Business District (CBD) as it seeks to suppress the swift increase in reports of rape and robberies.
ZRP Harare Metropolitan Province spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza told ZBC News that mushikashika has catapulted an increase of heinous offences.
He urged members of the public to shun pirate taxis and use buses for their safety.
Insp Chakanza said, “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.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Passenger Transporters Organisation Chairperson, Sam Nhanhanga said they are waiting for government’s rules and guidelines so that they safely operate in urban areas.
“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,” he said.
Pirate taxis became popular during COVID-19-induced lockdowns when the government monopolised public transport through the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO).
ZUPCO buses and kombis were woefully inadequate and this forced the public to use mushikashika as there was no other option.
