Over 59 000 drivers arrested countrywide

on going “Operation Siirai Mabhazi”.
The drivers were arrested within three weeks. A total of 33 966 drivers were arrested for overloading commuter buses, while the remaining 25 362 were driving pirate taxis. Most of them have since paid admission of guilty fines and filled forms that would make it easier for the police to trace their history when arrested for the second time.
The blitz has seen more than 4 518 public transport vehicles being impounded. National Traffic police spokesperson Inspector Tigere Chigome yesterday said the operation would continue until motorists operate within the law. He said most of the pirate taxis did not have “passenger liability cover”.
“As police, we are very satisfied with the progress and we will continue operating in full force until we bring sanity to the roads,” said Insp Chigome. “It is not the duty of vehicles like Toyota Ipsums to carry passengers and in time of accidents it’s the passengers who suffer as there is no passenger liability cover.”
Insp Chigome said there would be no option of a fine if the drivers are caught for the second time.
“If the motorist is caught for the second time there is no option of a fine except going to court.”
Insp Chigome said they were also checking on worn out tyres. “Motorists should check their tyres because most accidents are a result of tyre bursts,” he said.