adminMpumelelo Nyoni Chronicle Reporter
SEVENTY kombi drivers have been arrested and their vehicles impounded in a two-day police blitz targeting those flouting traffic regulations.
The joint operation by police and municipal police and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) was meant to ensure that passenger-carrying vehicles are safe for the public.
Police said they targeted kombis using illegal pick-up points and those without required documents. The impounded kombis were taken to Drill Hall.
Officer Commanding Bulawayo Traffic Police Chief Superintendent Maxwell Chikunguru confirmed the arrests and the impounding of faulty vehicles. “We arrested a substantial number of motorists flouting various traffic regulations. About 70 drivers of both commuter omnibuses as well as taxis have been arrested and their vehicles impounded and most of them are being dealt with,” said Chief Supt Chikunguru.
He also said the operation was meant to check on traffic regulations compliance as most of the kombis were operating without valid papers putting the lives of passengers at risk.
However, Bulawayo United Passenger Transport Association chairperson Strike Ndlovu said the operation was an inconvenience as operators were not informed of the operation beforehand.
He added that they need to be given more time to get all the necessary documentation.
“We were surprised by the operation as the police never informed us. We only discovered during the operation that police were targeting under-age drivers,” said Ndlovu.
“It was an inconvenience to both operators as well as commuters. I witnessed scores of commuters being dropped off at Khami Road and having to walk the rest of the way to town.”
Ndlovu also said police should inform public transport operators before the operations so that they know what papers to get.
Chief Supt Chikunguru however, urged everyone to support the police as they were taking measures to improve safety on the roads. He said most kombis that were impounded were being driven by under-age drivers while some vehicles were not fit for the road.
Last week, hordes of commuters were seen walking to town after being dropped off at Luveve Road flyover just before Ematshipsini.
Online Reporter