Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
THE Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has voiced concern over the growing harassment of commuters by kombi touts, calling for urgent measures to restore safety, order and respect for consumer rights in the public transport sector.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the commission said the harassment, intimidation and coercion of passengers by kombi touts constitute a violation of Section 35(2) of the Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44), which prohibits the use of physical force, threats or other unfair practices against consumers.
The Commission pledged to work closely with law enforcement agencies, transport operators and relevant stakeholders to curb the malpractice, restore order at commuter ranks and safeguard the rights of the travelling public.
This development follows the multi-stakeholder discussion held at Zimpapers under the theme, “Say No To Passenger Harassment and Intimidation”, revealing that the absence of proper systems and enforcement has allowed touts to thrive, leaving commuters vulnerable and fearful.
Speaking on the sidelines of the discussion, the Director for Research and Public Affairs in the Consumer Protection, Mr Kudakwashe Mudereri, said that both operators and passengers are united in rejecting touts.
He said the commission identified harassment by touts as a major gap in the transport sector, stressing that the lack of structured systems is the root cause.
“We noted that we need to put systems that work, because it has been noted that it’s the absence of systems that is causing all those things,” said Mr Mudereri.
“Where we need to put people with uniforms in our ranks, and also where the City Council needs to do their job, because in terms of manning of these ranks, it is the responsibility of the City Councils.”
He said stakeholders agreed that Zimbabwe urgently needs a national transport policy to regulate operators and protect passengers.
“The passenger association said that we do not have a transport policy in Zimbabwe. So the starting point is to have one where some of the challenges that we are highlighting, they actually put in that policy,” he said.
The commission resolved to lead a nationwide awareness campaign to educate both commuters and transport providers on rights and responsibilities.
In his sentiment, Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) coordinator, Mr Tafadzwa Goliati said the kombis should only consist of uniformed bus loaders and licensed drivers, not touts.
“Touts are reckless and they should not be allowed to serve passengers, since they have no training and belong to no recognised association,” he said
“If they harass or intimidate passengers, no institution takes responsibility, hence the lack of a coordinated policy.”
Zimbabwe union of Drivers and Conductors president Mr Pious Chidzenga emphasised that kombi touts are unfit to serve passengers because they lack awareness of the fundamental pillars of road safety management.
“Kombi touts are not even aware of or recognise the five pillars of road safety management. Road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safe vehicles, safe road users, and effective post-crash response,” he said.
