Kuwadzana fare hikes set off clashes

crews and vigilante groups in Kuwadzana Extension opposed to the increase.
Drivers and conductors plying the route last week attributed the doubling of fares to “fines and bribes” they paid to the police at roadblocks.
Yesterday morning operators insisted on charging US$1 per head despite the absence of any roadblock along Bulawayo Road, which leads to the suburb.
Vigilante groups waited at their ranks and ordered kombi crews to charge 50 US cents rather than US$1.
The stand-off at times became physical.
A journalist, who preferred not to be named for personal reasons, was caught in the crossfire when a kombi driver allegedly assaulted him.
He was among passengers who had refused to pay US$1.
The crews had appeared to agree with the militant groups demanding a reversion to normal fares but would then order commuters to pay US$1 once they had left their ranks.
National Traffic Police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome yesterday said they would not be cowed into letting unfit kombis ply city streets just because of the stand-offs.
He added that they had not reduced roadblocks but deployed according to need.
“Nothing has, and will never change on our traffic operations. All offenders will be brought to book and the complaints raised by drivers and conductors will not deter us from carrying out our duties,” said Insp Chigome.