Harare’s Streets Flooded with Unregistered Kombis Despite Police Crackdown

By Loyd Matare
The streets of Harare are still swarming with unregistered vehicle operating out of ranks at undesignated areas despite the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) intensified crackdown on illegal public transport operators.
The proliferation of these unlicensed vehicles has led to widespread criticism of the police, with many questioning their effectiveness in enforcing the law.
Recently, Police issued a statement notifying its ongoing operation, “No to Mushikashika and Lawlessness on the Roads,” aimed at restoring order and promoting public safety in the country—a move said to have been motivated by the growing concerns over the proliferation of unregistered kombis and pirate taxis disrupting traffic and endangering lives.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said there is need for compliance and warned operators that are flouting the law.
“We want to make it clear that only registered kombis with verifiable documentation will be allowed to operate as public service vehicles,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“Unregistered kombis and pirate taxis have no place on our roads, and we urge operators to comply with the law to avoid facing legal consequences.”
However, a survey by Afrogazette reveals that the streets remain overrun with mushikashika, operating seemingly unchecked despite police monitoring.
Speaking to Afrogazette news, Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliati opened up about the Association stance on mushikashika menace and potential solutions.
He attributed the proliferation of mushikashika to unemployment and the lack of economic opportunities.
“Firstly, we have to find the root cause of all this sprouting of unlicensed vehicles (mushikashika) pirating in the streets of Harare, because for one to solve a problem there is need to find first the root cause of the problem, why are we having mushikashika on the streets? Who is benefiting out of it?

“Then if we address that, I think we can achieve our goals, the police yes, they are trying hard but mushikashika will continue sprouting no matter what.
“The thing with this proliferation of mushikashika is unemployment. There is no employment being created as it stands that all those involved in mushikashika and touting will be employed.
For now, all the citizens they are all demonstrating in the streets in form of touting or having an unlicensed vehicle to use as a means for survival,” he said.
Goliati also pointed out that many civil servants are involved in the operation of unregistered kombis, which makes it difficult for the police to take action.
“…Most of the civil servants are buying small cars do not register them and they put them in the streets as a way to make money out of that to supplement their families.
“So, most of those mushikashikas which are roaming the streets with exemption they are owned by most civil servants which is the reason why they are untouchable.
“So, the government should address this dire situation first and deal with mushikashika later or else this will be a never-ending battle where they will be arresting and arresting its citizens but the moment, they are released they are back in the streets again because that is the only way to survive,” he noted with great concern.