National police crackdown on touts nets over 400

POLICE have launched a national crackdown targeting touts and so far over 400 suspects have been arrested across the country.

The operation code-named “No to Touts” was launched on Friday in response to the escalating criminal activities in the public transport sector where gangs harass and threaten travellers as they board public transport.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the exercise is aimed at restoring sanity in the transport sector and protecting commuters.

“By targeting and apprehending these unscrupulous individuals, the law enforcement agency aims to restore order and instil a sense of security within the community,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said a total of 410 touts have been arrested since Friday.

“In this regard, no deposit fines will be accepted at police stations. Public service vehicle operators and their crews 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,” he said.

“In the same vein, pirate taxis or mushikashika vehicles which are also using touts to perpetuate illegal activities such as picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points will not be spared.”

Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to report any illegal activity to the nearest police station.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to report anyone engaged in touting activities at any nearest police station or national complaints desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197,” he said.

“We are committed to eradicating the menace of touting, which has been disrupting the convenience and safety of commuters. Operation ‘No to Touts’ is a crucial step towards maintaining law and order in our transportation system and holding perpetrators accountable.”

Comm Nyathi said they have deployed law enforcement officers across the country targeting people involved in touting activities.

“These offenders will be swiftly brought to justice and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The operation is a proactive measure by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to address a pressing issue that has been negatively impacting the public transportation sector,” he said.

“We want to create a safer and more secure environment for all travellers. As the operation progresses, the Zimbabwe Republic Police remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the welfare of the public.”

Comm Nyathi said the ongoing operation serves as a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated. He said those who engage in touting activities will face consequences for their actions.

In Bulawayo, the police are working with the Bulawayo City Council municipal police, and they are targeting illegal pirate kombis and Honda Fit pirate taxis popularly known as mushikashika.

The crackdown is aimed at taming lawlessness and restoring sanity in the city centre.

Kombis and Honda Fit pirate taxis have been creating chaos and congestion in the central business district

As part of the operation, municipal police and ZRP officers have been deployed in various areas in the city centre targeting unruly pirate taxis and kombis violating the city by-laws by picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated areas.

Popular illegal pick-up points that are usually a hive of activity such as 6th Avenue Extension, Herbert Chitepo Street, 11th Avenue, Leopold Takawira Avenue around Large City Hall and Corner Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street/3rd Avenue are usually deserted during the day, but become busy after working hours.

During the day, defiant commuter omnibus drivers and pirate taxi operators dodge law enforcement agents.