Harare police storm on illegal taxis

Harare Residents Trust has said police in Harare have resorted to arresting an impounding pirate taxis known as Mushika Shika in the capital.

"Reports reaching the HRT are that the police have been a no nonsense vehicle impounding exercise that resulted in hundreds of vehicles operating illegally in the central business district being impounded, and detained at Chikurubi Maximum Prison sports grounds," said the trust.

"There are several reports claiming that if a vehicle has been impounded it is an uphill task to have it released to the owner, and this is very rare. But the drivers of the impounded vehicles are said to be taken to Harare Central where they are being severely assaulted for breaking traffic laws and causing chaos in the CBD."

The trust said to escape further assaults, there are allegations that arrested drivers have to fork out around US$80 in bribes to some officials, and if the matter is taken to court, the Magistrates Court is reportedly making the victims pay US$100 in fines.

"Any one out there with a story to share on how they are being treated by the police? Let us talk and find the best way forward. The HRT will be engaging the Police to establish the methodology they are using to handle the issue of illegal operations in the central business district," said the trust.