The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has reiterated that only the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) is allowed to ferry passengers in urban areas.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry said private kombis and pirate taxes remain banned from carrying commuters and travellers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, owners of suitable kombis can still apply to join the ZUPCO franchise. The statement read in part:
We direct that private kombi and bus operators who intend to operate in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo and any other town or urban area, to register and work with ZUPCO.
The service is open to all kombi and bus owners who meet the stated requirements.
To register, operators should have a current vehicle licence, vehicle insurance, certificate of fitness, passenger insurance and VID clearance.
Drivers of the vehicles under the ZUPCO franchise should have a valid driver’s licence, medical fitness, retest, defensive driving certificate and Government authority.
The Ministry also warned that kombi or bus operators plying intra-city routes in Harare or any city and town in Zimbabwe without a ZUPCO sticker, and pirate vehicles (mshikashika) risk being penalised and having their vehicles seized.