Kombis Bleed Harare Passengers Dry as Fares Soar

By Loyd Matare

Commuters in Harare are crying foul over rampant overcharging by kombi crews and touts, particularly during peak hours and poor weather conditions.

So says Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati, who has described the trend as “blatant exploitation of struggling citizens.”

This comes as a typical 10–15km trip now costs as much as US$1.50 to US$2, leaving many stranded or turning to risky alternatives like open lorry rides and illegal pirate taxis, locally known as mushikashika.

Speaking to AfroGazette News, Goliati condemned the profiteering mindset of some kombi crews, saying it reflects a worrying disregard for the daily hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.

He warned that the focus on exploiting commuters for short-term gain only fuels frustration and worsens the already chaotic public transport system.

“It’s outrageous that some operators are more concerned about squeezing every dollar from commuters than solving the mushikashika menace.”

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“We urge our transport associations not to turn a blind eye to overcharging. As a nation, we are already struggling financially – let’s not add to each other’s burdens.”

Zimbabwe’s soaring inflation continues to erode disposable incomes, with the majority of citizens surviving hand-to-mouth.

Public transport costs, once predictable, have now become a daily gamble for thousands in the capital.

It also comes as the country grapples with fuel price volatility and widespread unemployment.

With formal jobs scarce and stagnant wages, transport now consumes a disproportionate share of household income.

Ironically, while touts and crews inflate fares at will, little attention is being paid to regulating illegal transporters, many of whom operate without licenses or insurance—endangering lives in the process.

Goliati acknowledged that while PAZ does not condone mushikashika, the desperation of commuters is understandable.

“When formal systems fail the people, informal systems rise – but at what cost?” he asked.

Commuters are calling for urgent intervention from city authorities and transport regulators to rein in exploitative practices, restore order, and protect the public from both economic abuse and physical danger.

Until then, Harare’s roadways remain a battlefield for the everyday Zimbabwean just trying to get home.