Story by Peter Chivhima
The capital city of Harare and other urban areas have been turned into traffic jungles with public transport operators taking the law into their own hands.
This has in some instances led to loss of life and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is seized with the matter after engaging public transport operators in Harare this Tuesday.
“We call for the ZRP to come up with proper enforcement and sound policing on our roads so that there is sanity in our roads. The purpose of this meeting is to share ideas on how we can bring sanity on our roads,” said a transport operator.
“We are having a situation where we see police officers arresting our vehicles which are compliant, but ignoring those who are not registered. We are calling for you to look into such issues so that we operate in a free space,” said another operator.
The ZRP reiterated its commitment to strict law enforcement.
“I wish to pronounce the favors that we shall be giving to those who are compliant with the rules and regulations of the road those with all the required and valid documentation.
“We will spare them from arrests and interruptions to their business.
“Instead, they will enjoy uninterrupted operations, while those who do not comply will face the consequences, including vehicle impoundment. In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to every one of you for your participation and commitment to our shared goals. As we move forward, I wish you all happy times ahead, filled with unity and collaboration.
“My door is always open, and I invite you to come and register your complaints with me directly. Let us work together to build a safer, more orderly transport sector that benefits us all,” said the officer commanding ZRP Harare province, commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru.
“The ongoing operation is here to stay until there is sanity in our country. We have some people who are saying let’s lie low and come on the 25th of this month the operation will be over. Let me say the operation is here to stay until there is sanity on our roads,” said Chief of Staff Officer Operations, Commissioner Dr Bazibi Dube.
The engagement was attended by all public transport operators in Harare who agreed on the need to restore sanity on the country’s roads.
