Harare police chief arrests 3 kombi drivers

The Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, led a roadside enforcement operation on Good Friday that resulted in the arrest of three kombi drivers along the Harare–Masvingo Road for various traffic offences.

Commissioner Chikunguru was accompanied by district commanders from Mbare, Harare South and Harare North during the operation, which focused on improving road safety and curbing reckless public transport practices.

Among those arrested was 25-year-old Brian Sebastian, whose Toyota Hiace was found to be overloaded and operating with multiple compliance violations, including worn-out tyres, lack of insurance, and missing required licences.

Authorities instructed passengers to disembark and be refunded, while urging them to prioritise safety when choosing transport.

Commissioner Chikunguru warned that overloading public transport vehicles significantly increases the risk of tyre failure and road accidents, stressing that passengers also have a role to play in ensuring their own safety.

He advised commuters to avoid unsafe or unregistered transport options such as mushikashika vehicles, some of which have reportedly been linked to criminal activity.

Officer Commanding Mbare District, Chief Superintendent Runwell Chipfurutse, reinforced the message, urging motorists and passengers to rely on proper vehicle standards rather than assumptions when travelling.

Police say such operations will continue as part of broader efforts to restore order and improve discipline within the commuter transport sector in Harare.