Conflict between police and pirate kombis worry passenger association

THE Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has expressed it's concerns over the continuous clash between none registered kombis and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) .

The association said this poses danger to passengers amid revelations the law enforcement agents at times engage in a hot pursuit with the kombis which are carrying commuters.

PAZ Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati yesterday said these clashes were a risk to passengers and would lead to death of innocent people.

"Whenever we visit our local ranks, we are observing clashes between the Police and kombi drivers who refuse to join the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (Zupco) franchise. As passengers we are not pleased with such behaviour, " said Goliati.

"We are now scared to get in the ranks. They are always chasing each other and kombis would be speeding which is a risk to passengers and pedestrians. This can cause the death of many people and we are worried."

Goliati said as passengers they have the freedom to choose any mode and type of transport they want.

"As passengers we choose our own transport we want. We use transport that is time cautious and readily available. We do not wait for transport that is not there," said Goliati.

"We want to be home before curfew so we choose transport that is fast and readily available. With the ongoing load shedding we want transport that is fast and reliable so as to reduce the problems of mugging and robbery which passengers are witnessing."

Goliati said the transport problem has to be addressed.

Recently the police warned of serious action against private commuter omnibus operators who continue to pirate against a government directive to stop.