adminTOUTS harassing, assaulting and stealing from long distance travellers have become a menace in the capital.
The problem, which is mainly in major cities, has also spread to other small towns and even growth points.
This has been going on for years with the touts believed to be getting the backing of well-known bus operators.
As the festive season is fast approaching, the travellers’ nightmare is likely to continue if the police don’t intervene.
However, police chiefs have given travellers a cheer after starting a blitz against touting on Monday.
The police have also taken the operation countrywide to ensure the safety of passengers.
Under the blitz, sanity is likely to prevail at many busy pick-up points like Mbare Musika and Mbudzi Roundabout, where touts appear to rule the show.
The reassurance came from police chiefs this week ahead of the usually eventful festive season.
The ongoing blitz shows the police force’s preparedness this time around.
Travellers using public transport have on many occasions lost valuables to touts, who take advantage of the commotion.
Women have, on many occasions, been assaulted by touts, many of whom are usually high on drugs.
They have made travelling, by public transport, scary by wreaking havoc and stealing from travellers.
In Wednesday’s issue of this newspaper, national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the operation was now in full swing in the capital.
He noted that touts operating at the Harare Showgrounds and Simon Muzenda Street pick-up points had become a menace in recent months.
This should be good news to travellers and a reminder to touts that they are not above the law and, if necessary, the law enforcement agents will bring them to book.
Ass Comm Nyathi urged travellers to shun boarding unregistered motor vehicles as they risk being robbed, raped and, in extreme cases, being murdered.
His assurances should come as refreshing news to travellers, who wish to meet their relatives in peace.
As the blitz is now underway, it’s high time travellers take the police chiefs’ advice and avoid putting their lives on the line.
Life is precious and we can’t afford to lose it during the festive season.
As they say, it’s better to be late than to be late by using unsafe modes of transport.
Another solution would be for families to travel in groups using one vehicle.
The same vehicle should be operated by a licensed and sober driver to ensure we reach the destination safely.
After a year of hard work, it is also important for one to reach their destinations, especially in the rural areas, with all their valuables.
This can only be attained once we start adhering to the advice we get from the police.
For touts stealing from travellers, it’s never too late to think of other survival tactics. Long distance travellers should prioritise their security and do the right thing.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter