Moffat Mungazi
THE proliferation of touts (mahwindi) in Mutare has become a significant concern for the commuting public, transport operators, businesspeople and visitors to our beautiful city.
The presence of touts on the city’s streets is a symptom of a larger problem – a lack of regulation and oversight.
These individuals often engage in aggressive and harassing behaviour, causing inconvenience and financial loss to those they target.
Their activities, not only reflect poorly on the city, but also undermine the efforts of law-abiding citizens.
One of the primary reasons why touts thrive in Mutare and many urban centres across the country is the lack of effective law enforcement and regulation.
In many cases, these individuals operate with impunity, knowing that they are unlikely to face consequences for their actions.
What is equally disturbing is that some operators have some of the notorious touts on their payrolls, while some even engage legal representatives for them when they are arrested.
Presently, touts can be charged under sections related to intimidation or harassment, disorderly conduct, public nuisance, and this attracts a fine, a reason why we always find them back on the streets a few hours after their arrest.
To find lasting solutions to this menace, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the problem, and involves multiple stakeholders.
The city council and law enforcement agencies must work together to increase police presence in areas where touts are most active.
This could involve deploying plainclothes officers or municipal police officers who can build trust with local residents and businesses.
Once arrested, individuals who participate in touting activities should face dire consequences.
They should face criminal charges, including assault or extortion, depending on the nature of their actions.
If convicted, they should be sentenced to imprisonment, fined, or both.
These fines should be substantial for them to serve as a significant deterrent, encouraging individuals to think twice before engaging in such behaviour.
The prospect of imprisonment can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, causing them to lose their freedom, livelihood, and reputation.
Transport operators who pay touts to harass commuters and rival operators should face severe penalties. One of the most significant consequences is the revocation or suspension of their licences.
This can prevent them from operating their businesses, resulting in significant financial losses and damage to their reputation.
Transport operators should also face fines for their role in touting activities, including for offences such as aiding and abetting or vicarious liability.
Furthermore, transport operators who wine and dine with the touts should be held civilly liable for damages caused by their hoodlums.
This can include compensation for injuries or losses suffered by commuters or rival operators.
The prospect of civil liability can serve as a significant incentive for transport operators to ensure that their businesses are operated in a safe and respectful manner.
In addition to the deterrent measures, public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate the commuting public and transport operators about the risks associated with touts, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.
This could involve partnering with local businesses, schools, and community organisations to disseminate information and promote a culture of vigilance. Collaboration between stakeholders is crucial in finding lasting solutions to the touts menace.
The city council, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and community organisations must work together to share information, coordinate efforts, and develop effective strategies for addressing the problem.
This could involve establishing a taskforce or working group to oversee the implementation of anti-tout initiatives and monitor their effectiveness.
Ultimately, the transformation of Mutare and our cities into livable and thriving urban settlements depends on the ability of our leaders to tackle these challenges head-on.
By working together, citizens, businesses, and authorities can create a safer, more efficient, and more attractive city that benefits everyone.
The time for action is now; Mutare’s future depends on it.
Online Reporter