40 pirate taxis impounded in Gweru blitz

POLICE in Gweru have joined hands with the municipal police to launch a blitz targeting pirate taxi operators and illegal commuter omnibuses, which has resulted in 40 vehicles being impounded.

The operation is targeting pirate taxis and commuter omnibuses that are operating illegally and are picking and dropping off passengers at undesignated points in the central business district.

The impounded vehicles were taken to Gweru Central Police Station where they would be released once the owners meet registration requirements such as securing route permits.

There was drama in the city centre yesterday as some drivers attempted to evade the police who were assisting Gweru municipal police officers during the ongoing blitz.

The development left the commuting public stranded as many of the unregistered public transport operators removed their vehicles from the road and the few who remained were overwhelmed.

The local authority recently issued a notice to all public transport operators, including commuter omnibuses demanding updated route specification letters and parking disks by Friday, September 8, 2023.

City of Gweru spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramuse confirmed the blitz.

“Yes, we started a blitz targeting illegal transport operators in Gweru who were becoming a law unto themselves.

“The level of lawlessness in this sector was so alarming and we had to act to protect the members of the public,” she said.

“So far about 40 pirate taxis and illegal commuter omnibuses have been impounded and taken to Gweru Central Police station.”

For compliance, Ms Chingwaramuse said the council requires operators to submit an application letter conjoined with an operator’s licence, passenger insurance, vehicle insurance, vehicle registration book, parking disk, rates clearance, certificate of fitness, and proof of residence.

The application fees range from US$119.60 to US$143.52 depending on seating capacity.

“Let me take this opportunity to remind the public transport operators that the only approved parking spaces are Kudzanayi Rank, Old TM rank, and First Street ranking space,” said Ms Chingwaramuse.

She assured the public that the new measures will help improve the safety and quality of public transportation in the city.

“Notice is hereby given to all public transport operators in Gweru that it is illegal to operate without a route specification letter and parking disk from the City of Gweru.

“All the commuter omnibus operators that do not have the above are advised to visit the City of Gweru offices, engineering services department, and town planning offices,” said council.

Mshika-shika operators are not exempt and must regularise their operations within the specified period, said the council.