dyton mupawaenda
Tafara Chibanda
IN a bid to restore order and ensure the safety of travellers, the police have launched a nationwide operation dubbed “NO TO TOUTS.”
The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 410 touts, who were taken to court on Thursday.
According to a police statement, the operation will target the gangs which harass and force travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis.
No deposit fines will be accepted at police stations.
Public service vehicle operators and their crews have been warned against employing touts and those found doing so will face consequences.
Pirate taxis and mushikashika vehicles, which use touts to perpetuate illegal activities, will also be targeted.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a comprehensive operation dubbed ‘No to Touts’ throughout the country to specifically ensure that all touting activities by gangs who are harassing, threatening and forcing travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis are arrested and taken to court,” said a notice released by national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“As on 20th June, 2024, a total of 410 touts were arrested and taken to court for the law to take its course.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged the Judicial Service Commission for all suspects arrested to appear in court in batches. In this regard no deposit fines will be accepted at police stations.
“Public service vehicle operators and their crew are strongly warned against employing touts. The operators will also face the due consequences of the law if evidence points to them as employers of touts.”
The police are urging the public to report any touting activities to the nearest police station or through the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge