Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A Easter weekend police crackdown in Mutare has landed 34 touts in jail after they were convicted for harassing passengers, while violence between rival bus crews in Chimanimani left several drivers injured.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the touts were arrested on April 4, 2026 following a crackdown conducted by police in Manicaland.
The touts received various sentences.
“The ZRP recently intensified deployments and patrols during the Easter holiday so as to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful holiday,” he said.
“Therefore, on April 4, 2026 ZRP conducted raids targeting touts and arrested 34 touts in Mutare who were harassing commuters. All the accused persons were brought before the courts, found guilty and sentenced.”
In a statement, Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) national coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Goliati said on Tuesday, they received reports of violent clashes between touts and bus crews from two different bus operators in Chimanimani.
He said during the clashes, bus drivers were severely attacked, and others were injured during the clashes.
“Bus operators must co-exist and work peacefully, adhering to their permits and timetables. We demand justice for the perpetrators,” he said.
“Transport operators paying taxes and operating legally should, through their association, fight illegal pirate transport instead of resorting to violence among themselves. Accredited crews and helpers should resolve issues peacefully.
“As the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe, we are affected by individuals using violence to settle disputes, especially touts who have become a law unto themselves. At bus ranks, passengers are no longer safe.”
