Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A number of people have been losing their cell phones to thieves at the illegal mushikashika rank, servicing the Avondale route, along Leopold Takawira Street in Harare.
The illegal transport operators, who block the pedestrian crossing at corner Speke Avenue, have been harbouring criminals.
People are appealing for police and City of Harare to clear the illegal transporters.
One of the vendors close to Cleveland Building, which is opposite the illegal rank, Mai Matipa told H-Metro that a number of thieves have been receiving instant justice for stealing cell phones.
“Every day we are witnessing thieves being physically assaulted for stealing cell phones, wallets and handbags.
“They work in groups such that when their victims concentrate in trying to pass through the vehicles blocking the passage, the thieves snatch phones and quickly pass them to colleagues and some hide in the mshikashika vehicles.
“The area has become a criminal hub, and many people are losing their valuables especially in the evening. We are now familiar with the faces involved in such criminal activities, but we are always warned against exposing them.
“The best way to deal with the menace if police can do something about this illegal rank as it will eliminate the blockage of the pathway used by pedestrians,” said Mai Matipa.
