Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
POLICE in Zvishavane have impounded more than 40 pirate taxis, popularly known as mushika-shika, during a week-long operation aimed at restoring order in the transport sector and curbing road-related crime.
Addressing the media on Friday, Officer Commanding Police in Zvishavane District, Chief Superintendent Enoch Chishiri, said the blitz was prompted by a surge in reckless driving and the proliferation of unroadworthy vehicles, particularly in the central business district and surrounding feeder roads.
“Over 40 pirate taxis have been impounded following an increase in reckless driving in Zvishavane’s CBD and on feeder roads leading to Mberengwa, Mataga, Buchwa and surrounding areas,” he said.
Chief Supt Chishiri said many of the vehicles were operating without permits and posed a serious danger to passengers and other road users.
“There has been a rise in unroadworthy vehicles operating as mushika-shika in the district. These vehicles are putting the travelling public at risk,” he said.
Chief Supt Chishiri said the operation targets vehicles with defects such as broken lights, worn-out tyres and cracked windscreens, adding that pirate taxis were also linked to other criminal activities, including smuggling.
“The primary objective is to save lives, restore public order and curb crimes associated with these illegal transport operators,” he said.
Police, Chief Supt Chishiri added, would continue the operation until compliance was achieved, working closely with the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) to inspect impounded vehicles.
“We are going to ensure sanity in our town and along feeder roads in Zvishavane District. All unroadworthy vehicles will be impounded, and defects will be inspected in conjunction with VID,” he said.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the vandalism of an electricity transformer at Hargley Farm in Lalapanzi, which left the area without power.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said about eight metres of four-core armoured cable were stolen and approximately 25 litres of transformer oil drained, with the damage estimated at US$3 200.
“The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, and resulted in the entire area being plunged into darkness. The suspects are still unknown,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said residents initially assumed it was a routine power fault, with the theft only discovered the following day by a farm employee.
Insp Mahoko warned that vandalism of electricity infrastructure was a serious offence with severe penalties.
“Theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure adversely affect livelihoods and retard national economic development. We appeal to members of the public to report any information related to illegal dealings in copper,” he said
Ends
CKD NT
