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Police impound over 40 pirate taxis in week-long crackdown
2 hrs ago |
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Police in Zvishavane have impounded more than 40 pirate taxis, commonly known as mushika-shika, during a week-long operation targeting reckless driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and crime linked to illegal transport operators.
Chief Superintendent Enoch Chishiri, Officer Commanding Police in Zvishavane District, told the media on Friday that the operation was prompted by a rise in reckless driving and the proliferation of unsafe vehicles in the central business district and surrounding feeder roads leading to Mberengwa, Mataga, Buchwa, and nearby areas.
"Over 40 pirate taxis have been impounded following an increase in reckless driving in Zvishavane's CBD and on feeder roads," Chief Supt Chishiri said. Many of the vehicles were operating without permits, posing serious risks to passengers and other road users. He added that the operation focused on vehicles with defects such as broken lights, worn-out tyres, and cracked windscreens, and noted that pirate taxis were sometimes linked to other criminal activities, including smuggling.
"The primary objective is to save lives, restore public order, and curb crimes associated with these illegal transport operators," he said, adding that the police would continue the operation until full compliance is achieved, working closely with the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) to inspect impounded vehicles.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the vandalism of an electricity transformer at Hargley Farm in Lalapanzi, which left the area without power. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said about eight metres of four-core armoured cable were stolen, and approximately 25 litres of transformer oil drained, with damages estimated at US$3 200.
"The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, and resulted in the entire area being plunged into darkness. The suspects are still unknown," Insp Mahoko said. He warned that vandalism of electricity infrastructure is a serious offence with severe penalties, urging residents to report any information related to illegal dealings in copper, noting that such crimes disrupt livelihoods and hamper national economic development.
Chief Superintendent Enoch Chishiri, Officer Commanding Police in Zvishavane District, told the media on Friday that the operation was prompted by a rise in reckless driving and the proliferation of unsafe vehicles in the central business district and surrounding feeder roads leading to Mberengwa, Mataga, Buchwa, and nearby areas.
"Over 40 pirate taxis have been impounded following an increase in reckless driving in Zvishavane's CBD and on feeder roads," Chief Supt Chishiri said. Many of the vehicles were operating without permits, posing serious risks to passengers and other road users. He added that the operation focused on vehicles with defects such as broken lights, worn-out tyres, and cracked windscreens, and noted that pirate taxis were sometimes linked to other criminal activities, including smuggling.
"The primary objective is to save lives, restore public order, and curb crimes associated with these illegal transport operators," he said, adding that the police would continue the operation until full compliance is achieved, working closely with the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) to inspect impounded vehicles.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the vandalism of an electricity transformer at Hargley Farm in Lalapanzi, which left the area without power. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said about eight metres of four-core armoured cable were stolen, and approximately 25 litres of transformer oil drained, with damages estimated at US$3 200.
"The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, and resulted in the entire area being plunged into darkness. The suspects are still unknown," Insp Mahoko said. He warned that vandalism of electricity infrastructure is a serious offence with severe penalties, urging residents to report any information related to illegal dealings in copper, noting that such crimes disrupt livelihoods and hamper national economic development.
Source - The Chronicle
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