Zanu-PF distances itself from illegal commuter ranks in Bulawayo

Zanu-PF's Bulawayo provincial leadership has distanced itself from the proliferation of illegal commuter ranks and self-styled marshals operating in the city while claiming affiliation with the ruling party.

The party said criminal elements were tarnishing its image by using its name to extort money from public transport operators and unsuspecting commuters.

Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Archibald Chiponda said the party had received numerous complaints from residents, kombi crews and transport stakeholders about rogue groups alleging they were acting on behalf of the ruling party.

"We want to make it very clear that Zanu-PF does not run ranks, legal or illegal. The party does not deploy marshals and does not authorise anyone to collect money from transport operators or from members of the public," said Chiponda.

"These criminals are using the good name of the party to intimidate people and to steal from hard-working transport operators. We completely distance ourselves from such activities."

In recent months, Bulawayo has seen a surge in illegal pick-up points in the central business district, manned by aggressive touts demanding so-called "access fees" from drivers and passengers.

Some of the individuals reportedly wear regalia resembling that of the ruling party and invoke the names of senior officials to evade arrest, creating the impression that they enjoy political protection.

Chiponda described the conduct as unacceptable and said it undermined Government efforts to restore order in the public transport sector.

"President Mnangagwa's administration is promoting lawfulness, order and respect for citizens. Anyone who goes around extorting people in the name of Zanu-PF is an enemy of the party and an enemy of the people," he said.

He called on the police and Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to act decisively against the rogue elements and dismantle illegal ranks.

"As the province, we call upon the police and the city authorities to enforce the law without fear or favour. These bogus marshals must be arrested and illegal ranks must be dismantled. Bulawayo cannot be turned into a jungle," he said.

Chiponda urged residents and transport operators to report anyone abusing the party's name for criminal activities, saying the province would soon launch an awareness campaign to educate the public on the party's official structures and channels of engagement.

"Zanu-PF is a people's party built on discipline and respect. We will not allow thugs to hijack our identity. Communities must work with the police and expose these elements," he said.

Transport operators welcomed the party's statement, saying they had endured months of harassment.

"If you refuse to pay, they threaten to block your vehicle or damage it. They always say, ‘we are Zanu-PF people, nothing will happen to us'. We are happy that the party has spoken out because we were suffering," said one kombi owner who declined to be named.

Another driver, Ms Sibusisiwe Dube, said the disorder was also affecting commuters.

"These people are not helping anyone; they are just criminals who are making travelling expensive and unsafe," she said.

BCC has previously warned that commuter operations must be confined to designated ranks, with only registered associations permitted to manage loading bays.

Although police have conducted intermittent operations targeting touts, the problem has persisted, with illegal marshals reportedly regrouping after each crackdown.