Police launch blitz to curb touts, Mushikashika
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Zimbabwe Republic Police, Midlands Province has launched operation “No to touts and Mushikashika at bus terminus, commuter omnibus pick-up points and other undesignated points”, Kwedu News has learnt.
In his press release, Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said “The general public is informed that Zimbabwe Republic Police Midlands Province is undertaking an operation to curb rising lawlessness being observed on all our public roads in cities, towns and business centres. The operation commenced on 15 January 2024 in all policing districts in the Province which are: Gweru Urban, Gweru Rural, Kwekwe, Gokwe and Zvishavane”
Insp. Mahoko put it that the operation is being taken as a response to public cries and observations of criminal acts happening on the roads.
“The illegal acts that have been happening include among others:
Traffic flow disruptions through picking and dropping of passengers at undesignated points, dangerous parking, stuffing of passengers in car boots or roof tops and driving against oncoming traffic.
Use of unroad worthy motor vehicles.
Overspeeding, putting the travelling public at risk.
Harassment of the travelling public by touts who grab luggages and preventing commuters from boarding buses of their choice.
Involvement of the so called Mushika-shika motor vehicles in crimes such as Roberries, Thefts, Murders, Kidnapping and other offences,” said the provincial police spokesperson, Mahoko.
In executing the operation, he said ZRP have deployed its personnel on all public roads.
“Motor vehicles found to be operating public transport passenger business without requisiting licenses are being impounded. These also include those being driven by unlicensed drivers and unroadworthy vehicles. Depending on the state oft the motor vehicle and offences charged, some are being taken to VID for examination,”Insp. Mahoko said.
In some cases he added that suspects are invited to pay admission of guilty fines while in some cases dockets are prepared for courts.
As at 18 January 2024, he announced that accumulated figures for motor vehicles impounded in the province are as follows;
Gweru Urban District 107
Gweru Rural District 69
Kwekwe 95
Gokwe 48
Zvishavane 110
Total 429
“We appeal for cooperation from the public during the exercise. Those who may have any information concerning any illegal activities involving motor vehicles please feel free to approach our police stations,” he said.
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