Sinokubonga Nkala
Peter Matika, peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw
POLICE in Bulawayo have intensified efforts to restore law and order on city roads through an operation code-named: “No to Mushikashika, Touting, Unruly Elements, and Lawlessness on the Roads.”
Since its launch on Monday, the operation has led to the arrest of 494 offenders, the impounding of over 100 vehicles, and a renewed focus on compliance with traffic laws.
The operation aims to address increasing chaos, particularly along 6th Avenue, where reckless driving and illegal commuter ranks have disrupted traffic flow. Streets such as 6th Avenue Extension and Herbert Chitepo Street from 5th to 11th Avenue have become no-go zones for ordinary motorists due to illegal activities by pirate taxi operators, commonly known as mushikashika.
In the ongoing operation, police are working in conjunction with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said they are also targeting motorists not adhering to road traffic rules and vehicles without number plates and those with unsafe modifications such as bars and spotlights.
She said they capitalising on the recently installed CCTVs in the city centre to nab traffic offenders.
“We have since the launch of the blitz arrested 494 offenders of 76 are mushikashika drivers. We also impounded 109 vehicles, and 100 of them had no number plates,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said the operation also targets non-passenger carrying vehicles being used to carry passengers and unroadworthy vehicles and touts.
“Most of the mushikashikas that we impounded had no number plates, and in most cases, we suspect these are the cars used in robberies and kidnappings.
Unlicensed operators are undermining the regulated public transport system and posing safety risks to passengers,” said the police spokesperson.
Asst Insp Msebele said the operation forms a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to maintain road safety and order in the city during the festive season.
“This operation involves comprehensive inspections of commuter omnibuses to ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards and regulatory requirements,” she said.
Asst Insp Msebele said public transport operators who violate the law will face appropriate penalties, including fines and possible operating licence suspensions.
“The rampant proliferation of Mushikashika and touting poses a serious threat to public safety and order. We are committed to restoring law and order on our streets and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” she said.
“We are working with various stakeholders who include public transport providers and Government organs such as the Judicial Services Commission. We have noted that most of these people who are arrested are repeat offenders and therefore there is a need for them to face the full wrath of the law.”
Asst Insp Msebele warned that offenders would face stiff penalties, including court appearances and potential prison sentences for repeat offenders.
“This time around there will not be an option to pay a fine but instead will be taken to court where upon conviction they will sentenced to prison, she said.
Asst Insp Msebele urged members of the public not to interfere with operations as they would likely be arrested on charges of inciting public unrest and obstruction of justice.
This follows the arrest of dozens of onlookers who found themselves on the wrong side of the law this morning as police cracked down on illegal taxis and kombis operating in the city centre.
The operation aimed at ridding the CBD of unlicensed vehicles, as well as restoring sanity on the roads took an unexpected twist when members of the public began filming the police as they carried out their duties.
Witnesses reported that the police were actively engaged in stopping and checking vehicles that were not adhering to designated pick-up and drop-off points.
However, instead of just watching, many bystanders took their phones and started to capture the action as it unfolded.
What started as a casual curiosity quickly escalated into a flurry of arrests as officers deemed the filming as interference with their operation.
“We understand that people are curious, but when it starts to disrupt our work, we have to take action. These operations are crucial for maintaining safety in our city, and we cannot allow distractions,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
Earlier this year police launched a nationwide campaign code-named ‘no to touts and mushikashika,’ where thousands of individuals were arrested and their vehicles impounded.
The operation sought to reclaim public spaces and enhance commuter safety by cracking down on unauthorised transport services and illegal touting practices.
mbulelo smpofu
