Police crack down on touts

Police in Mutare have issued a stern warning to touts accused of harassing vendors and commuters, saying law enforcement agencies are ready to decisively deal with lawlessness in the city.

The operation, carried out by the Joint Operations Command - which includes the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service - targeted hotspots such as Sakubva and Mutare's central business district.

Authorities said the exercise was aimed at educating touts, vendors and the public on the importance of maintaining order, particularly at busy bus termini.

The crackdown follows growing complaints that some touts have been terrorising commuters and extorting money from vendors under the guise of "facilitation and protection fees".

Speaking during the operation, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka warned that offenders would face the full force of the law.

"We are here to raise awareness on the need to maintain law and order in public spaces, especially at bus termini. Touts have earned the notoriety of harassing the commuting and travelling public as well as vendors around the city. Some of them have also been going around demanding facilitation and protection fees from vendors. We are geared to put a decisive end to all that lawlessness and ensure that members of the public go about their daily business without any infringement," he said.

Chinyoka urged residents to report any incidents of harassment or criminal activity to the nearest police station, adding that security services would intensify patrols across the city.

"The security services will remain on high alert, regularly conducting patrols around the city. We will always be vigilant to curb any criminal activities, and the public must report whenever they encounter any," he said.

The operation has been welcomed by many residents, who say harassment by touts has made daily travel and trading increasingly difficult.

One commuter at Sakubva Musika said travelling had become "a nightmare", alleging that touts often force passengers into vehicles, resulting in lost or damaged belongings.

A vendor who spoke anonymously said frequent police blitzes were necessary to restore order.

"Being a vendor has become an unpleasant experience because touts are always pestering us as if they are law enforcement agents. If they are not demanding money, then they are confiscating our wares. We welcome this move and hope arrests will follow," she said.

Authorities say similar operations will continue as part of efforts to restore order and protect the public from harassment and extortion.