15 kombi drivers jailed

Kaya, Funny Chakoma, Curthbert Gumbira, Edmore Masemu, Elisha Donza, Tererai Vhenge, Munyaradzi Tsvaitani, Tonderai Moses, Kudakwashe Chivovori, Givemore Panevamwe, Tebulo Vheremu, Rodwell Mtetwa and Lovemore Maretekwa.
Code-named “Nguva Yakwana” the joint operation is aimed at restoring order at city ranks.
National Traffic Police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome yesterday said the 15 appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Don Ndirowei on Monday.
Inspector Chigome said most of the jailed drivers were convicted of driving public transport when they were below the age of 25.
The country’s traffic laws prohibit any person below the age of 25 to drive public transport.
The 15 drivers did not have re-tests, medical endorsements, five years experience, and defensive driving certificates among other requirements to drive public transport.
“The offenders were charged for contravening statutory instrument 168/06 which insists that every public driver should meet certain requirements,” he said.
Inspector Chigome said the blitz would be extended to other provinces.
“It will bring normalcy in the cities and we are warning other drivers to have the required documents,” he said.
Inspector Chigome commended the courts for imposing a custodial sentence on the offenders.
“Some of them were repeat offenders who thought they would get away with it after paying fines,” he said.
“Incarceration will assist us in having qualified drivers on the roads.”
The blitz, that started on October 9, has also seen over 2 000 kombis being impounded.
Most of the impounded kombis were operating without valid documents such as road service permits, rank discs, vehicle licences and route permits.
Some of the Kombi operators were being fined while vehicles with defects were being referred to the Vehicle Inspection Department.
A storage fee of US$17 per day is charged on uncollected vehicles.
Council also charges US$132 in clamping and towing fees.
The police and council officials are using spikes in cases where the drivers decide to flee.
Two weeks ago, council and police deployed 200 officers at the ranks to maintain order following the removal of touts.
Residents exerted pressure on council authorities to take action on the ranks after touts were flushed out a month ago.
The officers have been deployed at Charge Office, Copacabana, Market Square, Fourth Street, Rezende South, Chinhoyi Street, Mbuya Nehanda, Kwame Nkrumah/Mbuya Nehanda and Kwame Nkrumah and Park Street.
Council said it would soon erect boom gates at all the designated ranks.
Close to two thirds of the city’s 6 000 kombis are not licensed, do not pay the annual US$300 rank disc fees and ply unauthorised routes.