admin
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
POLICE have launched a blitz on buses that are breaching intercity travelling regulations taking advantage of the Government’s leeway in ferrying students back to schools.
This comes after the Cabinet last week allowed intercity travelling for exam students over the weekend but bus operators are now taking advantage of the order to conduct intercity travels.
Police in Harare yesterday impounded almost 32 buses at Mbare Musika bus terminus that were conducting intercity travelling in defiance of the national lockdown regulations.
Nine buses were also impounded in Matabeleland North on the same charges. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said some operators were taking advantage of the situation of ferrying learners to school to ferry the general public to different cities.
Ass Comm Nyathi said in Matabeleland North police officers have also impounded nine buses.
“Police had to move in since some of the bus operators were taking advantage of the situation of the opening of schools to mix both the general public and school children.
“We want, however, to warn anyone who defies the Government’s Covid-19 regulations that the full wrath of the law will take its course,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said buses were only allowed to carry learners across the city during the weekend.
“Government pronounced itself in terms of intercity travel, that is when the learners will be ferried to school. For exam classes it was during the weekend and that window has been closed. For other learners it will be next weekend and anything beyond that is unacceptable. If there are any changes, they will be communicated,” he said.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transport Organisation (ZPTO) chairman Mr Sam Nanhanga said bus operators should follow the Government’s directive on intercity travelling and halt operations.
“We stand guided and abide by what the Government has said. All intercity operations should be stopped until the Government announces the way forward,” he said.
Early this month, police impounded 67 buses countrywide, while several people were arrested on allegations of travelling without the required documents and violating the national lockdown measures. This comes after the police urged people to comply with the regulations during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
The arrests came after authorities intensified the enforcement of Covid-19 control measures, with police impounding buses that are operating illegally.
Online Reporter