Police descend on touts ahead of Christmas

POLICE has launched a countrywide operation at bus termini to monitor touts who usually harass travellers during the Christmas holidays.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday told NewsDay that the operation has already begun ahead of the holidays.

"There is an ongoing operation that the police are doing. We are targeting mostly bus terminuses and other areas where people mostly get mugged. The operation is to ensure that citizens are safe especially this Christmas season," Nyathi said.

"We also urge the public to do its part by looking for safe transport when boarding long distance buses. We urge the public against boarding unregistered vehicles as they risk being robbed, raped or even murdered. The public should also lead by example and ensure their safety before boarding buses. The police will also do its part by ensuring safety measures for all citizens."

Last week, a commuter Gladmore Nhachi was mugged at Roadport in Harare by a person who pretended to be fainting, but later attacked him with the assistance of touts.

"Let us protect our people out there. The level of touting is serious," Nyathi told NewsDay.