News / National
494 arrested in Bulawayo festive season traffic blitz
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Police in Bulawayo have intensified efforts to restore law and order on city roads through an operation code-named: "No to Mushikashika, Touting, Unruly Elements, and Lawlessness on the Roads."
Since its launch on Monday, the operation has led to the arrest of 494 offenders, the impounding of over 100 vehicles, and a renewed focus on compliance with traffic laws.
The operation aims to address increasing chaos, particularly along 6th Avenue, where reckless driving and illegal commuter ranks have disrupted traffic flow. Streets such as 6th Avenue Extension and Herbert Chitepo Street from 5th to 11th Avenue have become no-go zones for ordinary motorists due to illegal activities by pirate taxi operators, commonly known as mushikashika.
In the ongoing operation, police are working in conjunction with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the crackdown targets motorists not adhering to road traffic rules and vehicles without number plates, as well as those with unsafe modifications such as bars and spotlights.
"We have since the launch of the blitz arrested 494 offenders, 76 of whom are mushikashika drivers. We also impounded 109 vehicles, 100 of which had no number plates," said Asst Insp Msebele.
She added that the operation also targets non-passenger carrying vehicles being used to transport passengers, unroadworthy vehicles, and touts.
"Most of the mushikashika vehicles we impounded had no number plates. In many cases, we suspect these are used in robberies and kidnappings. Unlicensed operators undermine the regulated public transport system and pose safety risks to passengers," she said.
Assistant Inspector Msebele said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to maintain road safety and order during the festive season.
"This operation involves comprehensive inspections of commuter omnibuses to ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards and regulatory requirements," she said.
Public transport operators who violate the law will face penalties, including fines and possible suspension of operating licenses. The police spokesperson warned that repeat offenders would face stiff penalties, including court appearances and potential prison sentences.
"This time around, there will not be an option to pay a fine. Offenders will instead be taken to court where, upon conviction, they will be sentenced to prison," she said.
Assistant Inspector Msebele urged members of the public not to interfere with the operation, warning that they risk being arrested for inciting public unrest or obstructing justice. This follows the arrest of dozens of onlookers who were detained this morning for filming police as they cracked down on illegal taxis and kombis operating in the city center.
"We understand that people are curious, but when it starts to disrupt our work, we have to take action. These operations are crucial for maintaining safety in our city, and we cannot allow distractions," she said.
Earlier this year, police launched a nationwide campaign code-named "No to Touts and Mushikashika," leading to thousands of arrests and vehicle impoundments. The operation seeks to reclaim public spaces and enhance commuter safety by cracking down on unauthorized transport services and illegal touting practices.
The ongoing efforts underscore the police's commitment to restoring order on Bulawayo's streets and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Since its launch on Monday, the operation has led to the arrest of 494 offenders, the impounding of over 100 vehicles, and a renewed focus on compliance with traffic laws.
The operation aims to address increasing chaos, particularly along 6th Avenue, where reckless driving and illegal commuter ranks have disrupted traffic flow. Streets such as 6th Avenue Extension and Herbert Chitepo Street from 5th to 11th Avenue have become no-go zones for ordinary motorists due to illegal activities by pirate taxi operators, commonly known as mushikashika.
In the ongoing operation, police are working in conjunction with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).
Bulawayo provincial acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the crackdown targets motorists not adhering to road traffic rules and vehicles without number plates, as well as those with unsafe modifications such as bars and spotlights.
"We have since the launch of the blitz arrested 494 offenders, 76 of whom are mushikashika drivers. We also impounded 109 vehicles, 100 of which had no number plates," said Asst Insp Msebele.
She added that the operation also targets non-passenger carrying vehicles being used to transport passengers, unroadworthy vehicles, and touts.
"Most of the mushikashika vehicles we impounded had no number plates. In many cases, we suspect these are used in robberies and kidnappings. Unlicensed operators undermine the regulated public transport system and pose safety risks to passengers," she said.
Assistant Inspector Msebele said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to maintain road safety and order during the festive season.
"This operation involves comprehensive inspections of commuter omnibuses to ensure that they meet the necessary safety standards and regulatory requirements," she said.
Public transport operators who violate the law will face penalties, including fines and possible suspension of operating licenses. The police spokesperson warned that repeat offenders would face stiff penalties, including court appearances and potential prison sentences.
"This time around, there will not be an option to pay a fine. Offenders will instead be taken to court where, upon conviction, they will be sentenced to prison," she said.
Assistant Inspector Msebele urged members of the public not to interfere with the operation, warning that they risk being arrested for inciting public unrest or obstructing justice. This follows the arrest of dozens of onlookers who were detained this morning for filming police as they cracked down on illegal taxis and kombis operating in the city center.
"We understand that people are curious, but when it starts to disrupt our work, we have to take action. These operations are crucial for maintaining safety in our city, and we cannot allow distractions," she said.
Earlier this year, police launched a nationwide campaign code-named "No to Touts and Mushikashika," leading to thousands of arrests and vehicle impoundments. The operation seeks to reclaim public spaces and enhance commuter safety by cracking down on unauthorized transport services and illegal touting practices.
The ongoing efforts underscore the police's commitment to restoring order on Bulawayo's streets and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Source - the chroncile
