Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
A gang of six men yesterday set up an illegal cash office at Kudzanayi rank in Gweru, chased away municipal police and cashiers before collecting toll fees from buses and commuter omnibuses entering the rank.
Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe confirmed the incident saying the municipality had beefed up armed municipal police at the rank and council revenue halls to protect its revenue.
He said from 5 AM to about 10 AM, council lost a substantial amount of money since the criminals were collecting the fees while some operators shunned the terminus and opted for undesignated pick up and drop off points as a result of the criminals’ activity.
The gang, Clr Makombe said, allegedly started charging $3 for Sprinter omnibuses, $2 for other omnibuses and $5 for buses, which was half the fares being charged by council.
“The entire city of Gweru was shocked this morning (yesterday) to learn that some rogue elements invaded our Kudzanayi rank. They were six and illegally forced buses to pay them toll fees to enter Kudzanayi rank. We are very disturbed by this criminal act,” said Clr Makombe.
He said these were just criminals who were just after collecting money from buses at the expense of council.
Clr Makombe said the local authority was mandated to collect levies adding that anyone who acts without authority was a criminal.
“We have beefed up our security at all our institutions and I want to warn the criminals that we will take the necessary steps within our powers to deal with them,” he said.
The Mayor said residents and vendors should be on the lookout for such elements who might want to collect vending fees from them.
“The criminals should be brought to book. Our motorists are urged not to pay anything to such rogue elements,” said Clr Makombe.
Online Reporter