Online Reporter
H-Metro reporter
FOR some time now, the message from the police has been very loud and clear – DON’T BOARD MUSHIKASHIKA.
The police believe the pirate taxes, which have been a nuisance on our streets and roads, are being used by criminals to steal from members of the public.
Some women, including a 17-year-old girl, have also been raped after using these pirate taxis.
A number of operations have been launched, in the past two years, to try and tame the mushikashika menace.
The message from the police has been consistent and in tune with this statement:
“A numberof robberies, rape and theft cases have occurred in which victims fall prey to these illegal transporters who misrepresent themselves as transporters through mushikashika,” a police statement said.
“We have declared war against these mushikashikas. We will continuously impound the mushikashikas and arrest the drivers.
“We hereby appeal to the travelling public to avoid mushikashikas.”
· So, if the police feel the public should not use mushikashikas why then are some police officers, who should be arresting the drivers of these vehicles given they are part of a criminal enterprise, using the same means of transport?
· Why are some police officers falling victims to the same crimes, which they say could befall the public, should they use mushishikas?
On Tuesday, a traffic cop fell into the same trap by boarding a mushikashika where he was robbed of US$530.
LinosChigonera, 39, who is attached to Harare Central Business District traffic section, boarded a white Honda Fit, which had no registration plates. Chigonera boarded the vehicle in the company of Marshal Kumbirai Kusanwa, 39.
There were three men and one woman in the car and they boarded the vehicle in Belvedere, intending to go to the Harare CBD, at around 9pm. Two men, who were seated next to Linos and Marshal, produced an okapi knife and demanded valuables from the duo.
Linos handed over US$530, which was in his wallet, and one M-Horse Smart cellphone and Marshal handed over US$1 and two cellphones – a Samsung Note 10 and G-Tel cellphone.
The criminals tied their hands with ropes before dropping them along the way.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case urging people to avoid boarding private vehicles.
“Police are investigating a robbery case where two men lost a total of US$860 torobbers who provided them transport at around 9pm.
“We continue to urge people to use public transport and be aware that the robbers have been engaging female passengers to disguise themselves as genuine transporters,” said Insp Chakanza.
It’s the second incident in which a police officer has been robbed in a mushikashika this week.
Earlier this week, a 42-year-old police officer lost his service identity cards and cash after boarding a mushikashika in Harare.
Assistant Inspector Dickson Mashada boarded a mushikashika which had two female passengers and a male passenger from the Harare CBD to Newlands.
He lost US$420 on his way to Mukushi Depot.
Upon reaching Harare Central Remand Prison, one of the female passengers grabbed him by the neck while the other produced a knife and ordered him to surrender his wallet.
The female passenger searched him and took away his wallet containing his police ID card, National ID card, bank cards and cash.
The robbers dumped Ass-Insp Mashada opposite Kebab Centre and drove away towards Newlands Shopping Centre at around 7pm.
Insp Chakanza confirmed the case.
