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Police in Gweru have launched an operation targeting public transporters operating from undesignated points in the city.
Police say that have impounded a total of 80 vehicles, 42 Honda Fits and 38 commuter omnibuses since the operation started four days ago.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the operation.
“May the general public be informed that, in Gweru Urban District, we are running an operation against the conduct of public passenger service businesses by unlicensed motor vehicles commonly referred to as Mshika-shika,” he said.
The police, Insp Mahoko noted, are on record for a long time warning owners of private motor vehicles with interests in the passenger transport business that they should regularise their operations by applying for operator’s licenses.
“We have moved a gear up to remove them from the roads. We expect cooperation as this is in terms of the Law. Motor vehicles that ignore our calls are being impounded and charged under the Road Motor Transportation Act Chapter 13:15. For now we are accepting fines from those who admit their offences. Those who wish to be heard in court will be afforded the opportunity. Repeat offenders will also be taken to court. So far, we have impounded a total of 80 vehicles, 42 Honda Fits and 38 commuter omnibuses,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said they are grappling with armed robberies where private motor vehicles purporting to be pirating for public passenger transport services are involved.
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