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Tinashe Hazvide
IN a bid to curb lawlessness on the roads, police in Mutare have launched an operation code named “Ma1” which is meant to bring sanity and ensure safe travel.The operation that began last month resulted in un-roadworthy commuter omnibuses being impounded by the police.
This resulted in transport shortages as the few kombis that were left operating on the roads could not ferry people.
When news spread of the operation some kombi owners who knew well that their vehicles were run down quickly pulled them off from the road to evade the long arm of the law.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Enock Chishiri said the operation was meant to bring sanity and order.
“Operation ‘Ma1’ is there to stay up to the end of the festive season and police will be in full force to restore sanity in the city. This operation came into full force after there was an increase in criminal activities due to high mobility.
“In addition, travellers were being harassed and denied their right to board kombis of their choice by touts and rank marshals particularly at Mudzviti and Sakubva ranks.” said inspector Chishiri.
He said the situation has been worsened by some private vehicles that have been turned into public service vehicle.
“Of major concern is where vehicles such as Toyota Noah and Ipsum among others have been converted to carry passengers, smuggle goods, and stolen property. These cars are being used as gate away vehicles by criminals after committing serious crimes such as robbery, unlawful entry, and rape” said Insp Chishiri.
It is against this background that the police have embarked on Operation ‘Ma1’.
“Some kombi drivers were in habit of dropping and picking up passengers at undesignated bus stops and even in the middle of the road”
A total of 56 vehicles mostly Toyota Noah and Ipsums were impounded with their drivers and owners arrested for various offences including not having road transport permits, insurances and not having certificates of fitness among others.
Inspector Chishiri urged the travelling public to report drivers who flout road rules and regulations.
Online Reporter