Minister calls for end to police chases of pirate taxis

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka has urged police officers to stop pursuing unregistered "mushikashika" taxis, attributing these chases to an increase in fatal road accidents. Speaking during a Parliamentary session last Thursday, Masuka emphasized the need for drivers and law enforcement to adhere to traffic laws to reduce accidents and improve public safety.

Masuka raised concerns about the hazardous "cat and mouse" chases between mushikashika drivers and police officers, which often lead to severe accidents. "When police officers try to catch these people, they [mushikashika crews] run away," Masuka stated, adding that the government's new initiative to install traffic cameras could reduce the need for physical pursuit.

The cameras, currently being installed at key locations such as roadblocks and intersections, will capture vehicle license plates and driver identities, allowing police to issue fines directly without needing to pursue offending drivers. Masuka expressed hope that this measure would eliminate the high-speed chases, which endanger both the drivers and innocent bystanders.

He also underscored that only registered vehicles are permitted to carry passengers, condemning the illegal mushikashika taxis, which frequently pick up passengers from unsafe and unapproved locations. Masuka emphasized that all passenger-carrying vehicles must be registered to operate legally.

Further, Masuka revealed plans for a comprehensive system linking vehicle owners to their bank accounts and national identification, facilitating automatic fines for traffic violations. "When they cause trouble or breach the law, the money can be deducted without their knowledge," he said, underlining that adherence to traffic laws is essential to ensure the safety of all road users.

In response to Hurungwe East legislator Chenjerai Kangausaru's (Zanu-PF) suggestion that the public could assist by recording and reporting the license plates of fleeing mushikashika cars, Masuka agreed that involving citizens could complement police efforts to curb illegal transport activities.

Chikanga MP Lynette Karenyi-Kore (Citizens Coalition for Change) further raised the question of compensation for families impacted by accidents resulting from police chases. She highlighted the devastating effect on families who lose primary breadwinners in these accidents, urging the government to establish a policy for compensating affected families. "Is there any government policy for the compensation of those injured or those who die during police chases?" she asked, advocating for support to bereaved families.

Masuka assured Parliament that the government is actively working to expand legal public transport options, including increasing Zupco buses, to reduce commuter dependence on illegal mushikashika taxis. By boosting registered transportation availability, he hopes to decrease demand for unauthorized services, thus enhancing road safety across the country.