NEW: Passengers raise alarm over unlicensed kombi drivers

Ivan Zhakata

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of commuter omnibus operators employing unlicensed drivers, warning that the practice is endangering thousands of lives.

In a statement, PAZ national coordinator Mr Tafadzwa Goliati expressed concern over what he described as a blatant disregard for public safety in the transport sector.

“We are witnessing an alarming trend where kombi operators are hiring unlicensed individuals to drive and manage public service vehicles,” he said.

“This reckless behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and other road users. We are calling on authorities to urgently intervene before more lives are lost.”

PAZ is calling for an immediate crackdown on unlicensed drivers.

The association insists that only qualified and properly licensed personnel should be allowed to operate public transport vehicles.

Mr Goliati highlighted dangerous road behaviours often exhibited by kombi drivers, such as driving against oncoming traffic and the illegal use of cycle tracks, which pose serious threats to pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.

“Such practices not only endanger passengers, but also pose a serious risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists,” he said.