Police crackdown on 'mushikashika' disrupts transport

A police crackdown on illegal "mushikashika" taxis in Mutare is causing widespread disruption to daily commuting, with passengers increasingly being dropped far from the city centre and forced to complete their journeys on foot.

Commuters from suburbs including Dangamvura, Hobhouse and Sakubva say drivers are avoiding police roadblocks by terminating trips at flyover bridges and checkpoints on the outskirts of the Central Business District (CBD).

Despite paying fares of up to US$1 for transport into town, many passengers say they are being left to walk the remainder of the journey.

"We understand the need for police to deal with crime, but this is now affecting us as ordinary people," one commuter said.

"You pay your fare expecting to get to town, but you are dropped far away and forced to walk the remainder of the journey."

The operation was confirmed by Manicaland acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, who said the crackdown is targeting illegal taxis allegedly linked to a rise in theft cases.

According to police, some criminal syndicates are using mushikashika vehicles to target unsuspecting passengers, with some suspects posing as conductors before stealing valuables during journeys.

While supporting efforts to curb crime, the Manicaland Association of Passengers (MAPS) expressed concern over the impact the operation is having on commuters, particularly vulnerable groups.

MAPS coordinator Lynette Mudehwe said passengers were unfairly bearing the cost of the ongoing enforcement exercise.

"It is unfortunate that our members are being fleeced of their hard-earned money by paying full fares only to be dropped off long distances away," Mudehwe said.

"The elderly and schoolchildren are now being forced to walk long distances, exposing them to health and security risks."

She urged transport operators to comply with public transport regulations and work with law enforcement authorities to reduce inconvenience to commuters.

"We expect transport operators to be responsible and comply with public transport regulations, including ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and properly registered," she said.

Mudehwe also called on the City of Mutare to strengthen enforcement of transport regulations, saying the local authority has a responsibility to ensure an orderly and efficient public transport system.

Meanwhile, Manicaland Transport Association chairperson and transport operator Esau Mupfumi called for renewed dialogue between the city council and transport stakeholders.

"There is a need for the city authorities to sit down again with transport associations and prioritise those with roadworthy kombis to access the CBD," Mupfumi said.

"The authorities must revisit this matter. Instead of having associations that only collect money, we need those that ensure vehicles are roadworthy and compliant."

Police have maintained that the operation will continue until criminal elements operating within illegal taxi services are identified and brought to justice.