Harare Commuters Bear the Brunt as Police Intensify Crackdown on Unlicensed Kombis
By Loyd Matare
A massive police operation targeting unlicensed kombis and mushikashika in Harare has left commuters stranded and frustrated, with many forced to pay exorbitant fares to get to work.
The operation, which began earlier this week, has seen police officers deployed at various checkpoints across the city, stopping and searching kombis for licenses and other documentation.
Those found to be operating without the necessary permits are being arrested and fined.
While the police say the operation is aimed at promoting road safety and reducing congestion, commuters are bearing the brunt of the crackdown.
“I’m already running late for work, and now I’m stuck here waiting for a kombi that may never come,”
“The fares are ridiculous today – $2 for a trip that normally costs $1? It’s extortionate,” said Mai Tanya, a resident of Mabvuku Tafara.
Aaron Nhau, a commuter from Tafara, echoed Mai Tanya’s sentiments.
“I’ve been waiting for over an hour now, and I’ve seen maybe five kombis drive by.
“They’re all packed to the brim with people so desperate to get to work early and the drivers are charging exorbitant fares. I’m just trying to get to work, but it seems like the transport system is designed to make our lives difficult.”
Crucial Kuwanga, a commuter from Eastview, was more blunt in his assessment.
“This is ridiculous. The government is supposed to be regulating the transport sector, but it seems like they’re just letting the kombi drivers do as they please.
“The fares are too high, the kombis are too few, and the service is terrible. I’m tired of being taken advantage of. I demand better. We all deserve better,” Kuwanga said.
Kombi drivers, on the other hand, say the police operation is unfair and will only lead to more hardship for commuters.
“This operation is just a way for the police to make money.
“They know we’re not licensed, but they also know we’re the ones who keep this city moving.
“Without us, people would be stranded. But what can we do? We’ll just have to hike our fares again to cover the costs of bribes and fines. It’s a never-ending cycle,” said Crossfire, a kombi driver.
Constantine Chagonda, another kombi driver, said the police operation was an attack on their livelihoods.
“I’ve been driving a kombi for 10 years, and I’ve never had a problem with the police. But now, suddenly, they’re cracking down on us. It’s like they want to strangle us. We’re not the enemy, we’re just trying to make a living.”
Another kombi driver Brian Muyambo was more sarcastic in his response.
“Oh, great, another operation to ‘clean up’ the transport sector. Meanwhile, the government can’t even provide decent public transportation. We’re the ones who fill the gap, and this is how they repay us?
“By chasing us off the roads and forcing us to hike our fares? It’s a joke,” Muyambo noted.
However, the Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has come out in support of the police operation stating that the operation is for the betterment of the residents to board registered kombis they can trust.
“The police’s crackdown on rogue kombi operators is a step in the right direction towards reclaiming our roads and ensuring commuter safety,” said Tafadzwa Goliati, PAZ president.
The police operation is part of a broader effort to promote road safety and reduce congestion in Harare.
According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the operation will target anyone who poses a danger to other motorists, including those operating without licenses or permits.
The operation has seen the police deploy checkpoints at various points across the city, where kombis are being stopped and searched for documentation.
Those found to be operating without the necessary permits are being arrested and fined.
While the operation has caused inconvenience to some commuters, others have welcomed the move as a necessary step to promote road safety and reduce congestion.
