Police in Harare on Monday, 27 March launched a blitz against pirate taxis (mushikashika), with several operators being arrested and vehicles impounded.
ZRP Harare Metropolitan Province spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza told ZBC News that mushikashika has resulted in an increase in reports of rape and robberies.
He urged members of the public to shun pirate taxis and use buses for their safety. Said Insp Chakanza:
We are carrying out this blitz because we have cases of armed robbers we have those reports of rape and robberies. We are encouraging commuters to use buses.
Zimbabwe Passenger Transporters Organisation Chairperson, Sam Nhanhanga said:
We believe at the moment we have enough busses, we are awaiting the government to tell us what we need to do to be able to serve the urban areas.
Pirate taxis became popular during COVID-19-induced lockdowns when the government monopolised public transport through the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO).
ZUPCO buses and kombis were woefully inadequate and this forced the public to use mushikashika as there was no other option.
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