Harare’s Rogue Kombi Epidemic: Only 3,000 Out of 16,000 Comply with the Law

Zimbabwe’s roads are on the verge of chaos, with a staggering 13,000 commuter omnibuses, or kombis, operating without registration in Harare alone.

This shocking revelation has prompted the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to launch a major clampdown on unregistered kombis, in a bid to restore order and safety on the country’s roads.

The blitz, announced by ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, aims to force operators to comply with the law and make clean money.

“It’s sad, for Harare alone we have close to 16,000 kombis but only 2,500 or let’s say 3,000 are registered,” Nyathi said during a press conference in Harare.

“The rest are playing hide-and-seek with the law.”

Nyathi emphasized that the government has put in place regulatory mechanisms to assist people in getting into business, but many kombi operators are refusing to comply.

“They want to take money and put it into their pocket…no safety for Zimbabweans and no compliance,” he said.

The ZRP has instructed all police officers to carry out their duties professionally and in accordance with police standards.

Nyathi warned that any police officer who endangers the lives of Zimbabweans will face action.

He also cautioned members of the public against interfering with police officers on duty and urged motorists to comply with the law.

The clampdown on unregistered kombis will be implemented without fear or favor, Nyathi added.

“There is no going back in enforcing the government’s law, and we are unapologetic about that.”

The ZRP has also vowed to take action against bribe-taking police officers and motorists who pay them off.