Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
POLICE have intensified the crackdown on illegal transport operators in Marondera, with over 200 vehicles having been impounded in the past few days.
The ongoing operation, targeting illegal transport operators commonly known as Mushikashika, has so far seen 208 vehicles impounded, while 89 push-cart operators and 41 touts have been arrested.
The exercise is being conducted through a multi-agency approach involving the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), the Municipality of Marondera and the Vehicle Theft Squad.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Mashonaland East Officer Commanding, Commissioner Dr Wiklef Makamache, said the operation is aimed at ensuring compliance with transport regulations and removing vehicles that pose a risk to public safety.
“We have got VID, ZINARA, local authorities, and other stakeholders that are behind the scenes. We want to clean up our city in terms of vehicles that are not roadworthy and vehicles that have been creating unnecessary obstructions on the roads, including the CBD.
“We had to take action to bring sanity to the city. We also had push carts that were now found all over. We also had touts. More than 200 vehicles have been impounded, with more than 40 touts being arrested. The issue is not anything else that may be termed speculative. We are only doing our work as police with joint support from our stakeholders. Very soon, you will be seeing peace. You will be enjoying peace in the CBD,” he said.
The Mashonaland East Passengers Association of Zimbabwe welcomed the operation, describing it as a positive development for the town.
“We are happy with the operation by the police on unregistered transport operation. Residents should use registered public transport; in the event of an accident, they will be compensated. I also saw registered kombis being arrested as they do not have enough paperwork and their engines do not match with the numbers on the registration books.
“Those with push carts have also been arrested, and we are happy because they also cause a lot of accidents. We are also happy with the arrest of touts as they are causing confusion. Some of them are thieves and are abusing drugs. People know where they are going and do not need touts,” Mashonaland East Passengers Association of Zimbabwe Chairperson, Rejoice Nyathi said.
Authorities say the operation will continue as they work towards ensuring compliance with transport regulations in Marondera.
