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One person was injured when a kombi, a Nissan Caravan, rammed into another, at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road and Remembrance Drive in Harare on Thursday afternoon.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the incident resulted in five other vehicles ramming into each other. The ZRP:
<blockquote>
ZRP is investigating a serious road traffic accident which occurred at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road and Remembrance Drive, Harare on 09/05/24 at around 1408 hours. One person was injured when a Nissan Caravan vehicle registration number AEB 1040 rammed into another Nissan Caravan vehicle registration number AFQ 8137. Resultantly, five other vehicles rammed into each other.
</blockquote>
Although the police have not officially disclosed the cause of the initial incident involving the two Nissan Caravan vehicles, kombi drivers frequently evade traffic police at undesignated pick-up and drop-off points, often resulting in accidents.
Numerous lives have been lost, and some individuals have suffered serious injuries due to accidents caused by kombi crews fleeing from the police in the central business district.
Critics often express dissatisfaction with the ZRP’s policing methods, particularly the high-stakes cat-and-mouse chases involving fully loaded kombis that show little regard for human safety.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Police Investigate Harare Vehicle Pile-Up Linked To Kombi Incident

A commuter omnibus carrying school children from Mutero High School in Gutu was involved in an accident near Munyati Bridge on Monday morning, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
According to a statement posted on the X (Twitter) ZRP page, the kombi was on its way to Masvingo when the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn three times.
No fatalities have been reported, and the ZRP said all the vehicle occupants are currently being treated at Chivhu General Hospital. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms that a Toyota Quantum Kombi was involved in a serious road traffic accident at the 106 km peg along Harare-Beitbridge Road near Chivhu whilst carrying school children from Mutero High School in Gutu, the driver and a parent.
The kombi was on its way to Masvingo when the driver lost control and the Kombi overturned three times near Munyati Bridge and landed on its wheels.
The accident occurred at around 1000 hours this morning. All the vehicle occupants are currently being treated at Chivhu General Hospital.
</blockquote>
The Police stated that additional information regarding the accident will be made available at the appropriate time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mutero High School Learners Injured In Kombi Accident

Kombi operators in Bulawayo have backtracked on refusing ZiG, saying are accepting the new structured currency for fares.
Last week, the same commuter omnibus operators stated that accepting ZiG would put them out of business as they cannot use the currency to buy fuel or spares for their vehicles.
However, Tshova Mubaiwa’s marketing director, Ndaba Mabunda, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/commuter-operators-welcome-zig/">Chronicle</a> that they are accepting ZiG. Said Mabunda:
<blockquote>
There is no way we are denying the ZiG. The announcement by ZERA also shows commitment and interest by authorities to balance the equation.
Transport operators also use the ZiG to purchase other goods and services other than fuel. ZiG is our national currency and accepting it must never be an option.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Urban Public Transport Association (BUPTA) chairperson, Morgan Msipa, said they are accepting ZiG. He said:
<blockquote>
It might improve our lives. We have issues of lack of change and we hope that once the money is in circulation it can be a thing of the past.
Let me make it clear that we are not saying no to the ZiG. We had concerns about fuel stations not accepting it.
</blockquote>
On 04 May, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) issued a fuel review notice indicating prices of petrol and diesel in both USD and ZiG.
However, this does not necessarily mean that fuel is now being sold in ZiG because ZERA has always done the same for Bond Notes even when they were not accepted at the fuel pump.
According to the notice, diesel now costs ZiG22.24 and US$1.66, while petrol is now selling at ZiG21.15 and US$1.58 per litre respectively.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Kombi Operators Backtrack On ZiG

Commuter omnibus (kombi) operators in Bulawayo are rejecting the newly-introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, saying they will not be able to buy fuel which is exclusively sold in forex.
Atlas Moyo, the chairperson of Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-op, which is one of Bulawayo’s biggest transport co-operatives, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/kombi-operators-reject-zig/">Chronicle</a> that they would want to accept ZiG but they may find themselves out of business. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
ZiG is our national currency and accepting it must never be an option. We however find ourselves between a rock and a hard surface as refusing it is seen as sabotaging Government efforts to revive the economy and accepting it pushes us out of business.
</blockquote>
He said the Government should have fuel stations that sell fuel in local currency where only registered operators can buy fuel.
Moyo said that without such an arrangement, it would be difficult for kombi operators to accept ZiG. He said:
<blockquote>
We don’t want a situation where we will become a dumping ground for the ZiG currency and customers of illegal money changers.
Where are we going to take the local currency if we cannot buy fuel or spares using it? We will engage the relevant Government ministry and department to raise these concerns.
</blockquote>
Also speaking to Chronicle, Morgan Msipha, Bulawayo Public Transporters Association (BUPTA) director of legal affairs concurred with Atlas Moyo, saying accepting ZiG was not a problem, but they fear they will be out of business after failing to buy fuel or spares. He said:
<blockquote>
As we speak right now, we are not sure if any of our fuel garages will accept this currency hence the need for wider consultations with all stakeholders involved.
Let me make it clear that we are not saying no to the ZiG but merely highlighting an obvious situation on the ground, that of fuel stations not accepting it.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Residents Association (BURA) chairperson Winos Dube sided supported Kombi operators. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s the hard but honest reality of what the operators are saying, yes we all embrace the new currency but if fuel garages are not accepting ZiG, where will they get fuel for them to continue providing the service?
We asked the same questions to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe team, which is on an awareness campaign and I am happy with what they said about measures being put in place by the Government.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mushayavanhu on Thursday, 02 May, said it will be in the best interest of fuel stations to start accepting ZiG.
In an interview with Star FM radio, Mushayavanhu said tax returns will be 50 per cent in local currency come June-July and fuel dealers may then find it difficult to lay their hands on ZiG to pay taxes. He said:
<blockquote>
We are in a multi-currency regime, nothing is stopping a fuel dealer from selling their fuel partly in ZiG and partly in any other currency.
If the fuel dealer is not selling the fuel in ZiG, they will find themselves in a situation whereby they will be looking for ZiG, come June or July to pay tax.
I am warning them that when we get to June-July, the ZiG rate may actually strengthen such that they will lose out.
</blockquote>
In the past, the government has set aside service stations selling fuel in local currency but the facility was abused by operators who bought fuel using local currency and sold it on the black market.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kombi Operators Reject ZiG

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed a fatal road traffic accident that claimed the lives of fifteen (15) people along the Harare-Masvingo Road on Friday afternoon.
In a statement posted on its official X (Twitter) page, the ZRP a kombi (sprinter) travelling towards Masvingo was involved in a head-on collision with a truck travelling towards Harare resulting in the carnage. Reads the post:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred this afternoon at around 1600 hours at the 53-kilometre peg along Harare-Masvingo Road in which 15 people were killed after a Sprinter kombi travelling towards Masvingo was involved in a head-on collision with a truck travelling towards Harare. Police are currently at the scene.
</blockquote>
The police have indicated that additional information related to the heartbreaking accident will be made available in due course.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder to all road users about the importance of adhering to road rules and avoiding reckless behaviour, which can lead to avoidable loss of lives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

15 People Killed In Head-on Collision On Harare-Masvingo Road

Three people died while seven others were injured when a kombi they were travelling on overturned along the Masvingo-Mbalabala Road on Friday.
Police said a Nissan Caravan vehicle, which had ten passengers on board, burst a front tyre and overturned several times. Police tweeted:
<blockquote>
The ZRP confirms a fatal road traffic accident which occurred at the 42-kilometre peg along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road on 08/09/23 in which three people died whilst seven others were injured.
A front right tyre of a Nissan Caravan vehicle burst resulting in the vehicle veering off the road before overturning several times and landing on its left side.
The vehicle had 10 passengers on board. The bodies of the victims were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were admitted at the same hospital.
</blockquote>
In another road traffic accident that also occurred on 8 September, a Toyota Hiace kombi that was travelling against traffic overturned and landed on its roof in Harare.
Police said the accident occurred at 1.30 PM along Robert Mugabe Road resulting in 12 people sustaining injuries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kombi Accident In Masvingo Claims 3

Six (6) people died in a road traffic accident that occurred in Rusape along the Harare-Mutare Road on Friday evening.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident to <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/07/29/six-perish-in-road-accident/">ZBC News</a>, saying three people died on the spot while the others died on admission at Rusape General Hospital.
Asst Comm Nyathi said that a Harare-bound commuter omnibus side-swiped a haulage truck, as the driver tried to overtake at a sharp curve before Rusape tollgate.
Six other people who were in the commuter omnibus are admitted at Rusape General Hospital after sustaining injuries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Six People Killed In Rusape Kombi Accident

The government has allowed commuter omnibuses (kombis) back on the roads after banning them in early 2020 to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
According to Statutory Instrument 213A of 2022 promulgated on 21 December 2022, the ban on kombis has been lifted with immediate effect. Reads the Statutory Instrument:
<blockquote>
Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2022 (No. 43)
THE Minister of Health has, in terms of section 8(1) of the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations, 2020 (published in Statutory Instrument 77 of 2020), made the following order: –
1. This order may be cited as the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2022 (No. 43).
2. Transport services, whether intracity or intercity, for the carriage of passengers shall no longer be restricted to the transport services mentioned in section 4(2) of the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) Order, 2020) (“the principal order”), published in Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020, and all laws with respect to the licensing of those services that were in force immediately before the commencement of the principal order shall recommence in force with immediate effect.
</blockquote>

Government Lifts Ban On Kombis

Two people who were among a group of mourners died while 10 others were injured after a vehicle ferrying them to a funeral was involved in a road accident.
The accident occurred at the 315 km peg along the Harare-Bulawayo road on Thursday.
Midlands provincial acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Fungai Ngawagare, confirmed the incident. She said:
Police confirm investigating a fatal road accident where two people died on the spot while 10 others sustained various injuries.
<blockquote>
The accident occurred at the 315 km peg along Harare-Bulawayo road on the 1st day of December 2022.
Tendai Nkala was driving a green Toyota Hiace along Harare-Bulawayo road towards Gweru with eleven passengers on board who were going to a funeral in Lower Gweru.
Upon approaching the 315km peg, the vehicle’s rear right tyre burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle and veered off to the left side.
The vehicle overturned, rolled once and landed on its wheels.
</blockquote>
Asst Insp Ngawagare said two female passengers, identified as Lucia Mpofu (54) and Masuku Mubazisi ( 51) of Bulawayo, died on the spot.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary where the 10 others who were injured were also admitted. Concluded Ngawagare:
<blockquote>
The ZRP would like to urge members of the public to ensure that their motor vehicles are serviceable and roadworthy before embarking on a journey.
Drivers are also urged to obey the rules of the road so as to minimize the loss of life through accidents.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/two-killed-and-several-injured-as-kombi-ferrying-mourners-to-funeral-bursts-tyre-and-overturns/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Two Killed As Kombi Ferrying Mourners To A Funeral Bursts Tyre And Overturns

A Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) kombi conductor was robbed of ZWL$30 000 by three people who had boarded the vehicle early in the morning.
In a statement on their official Twitter page, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the incident occured in Cowdray Park suburb, Bulawayo, on Sunday. Reads the post:
<blockquote>
Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of theft which occurred on 17/07/22 at around 0530 hours in Cowdray Park, where three unknown suspects who had been offered a lift in a ZUPCO kombi snatched a satchel with company cash amounting to ZWL$30 000, US$30 and two cellphones from the conductor before vanishing into the darkness.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated incident, police have launched a manhunt for one Beven Mudimu who allegedly robbed a shop of cash at Dindi Business Centre, Marambapfungwe before vanishing. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Beven Mudimu who is being sought by the police in connection with a robbery case in which he robbed a shop at Dindi Business Centre, Marambapfungwe, before getting away with US$2 964, ZAR 350 and ZWL 2 700.
Anyone with information to contact CID Murehwa on 0652122107, Officer In Charge CID Murehwa on 0772 596 040, the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631, or Whatsapp 0712 800 197.
</blockquote>
The incidents come as there has been an increase in cases of robberies across the country.

"Passengers" Steal $30 000 From ZUPCO Kombi

Two police officers were reported to be in critical condition in hospital after being attacked by a mob on Highglen Road in Harare on Friday.
Reports suggest that the police officers were attacked for causing the death of a pedestrian identified as Trymore Chinyamakobvu (54).
Chinyamakobvu was run over by a commuter omnibus while the police officers wrestled the kombi driver while the vehicle was moving.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, saying the two police officers were engaging in an unsanctioned act as they were not deployed for that activity. ZRP posted on their Twitter page, saying:
<blockquote>
The ZRP regrets the fatal incident that occurred this morning at around 1140 hours, along Highglen Road near Mashayabhande Road in Harare, where a man (54) died after police officers who were not deployed for that activity engaged in an unsanctioned act.
The ZRP Command has directed that criminal charges and disciplinary measures be taken against the officers and definitely, the law will take its course. The ZRP passes its deepest condolence to the bereaved family.
</blockquote>

Two Cops Attacked By Mob After Kombi Runs Over Pedestrian

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the death of three people after a commuter omnibus (Kombi) collided with a Mazda 323 vehicle along the Harare – Bulawayo Road on Sunday.
Police said the three who died are, the driver of the Mazda 323 vehicle and the passenger as well as the driver of the kombi. Read a police statement on the incident:
<blockquote>
 The ZRP confirms the death of three people and injury of 18 others in a road traffic accident that occurred at the 133 km peg along Harare- Bulawayo Road on 26/06/22 at about 1500 hours.
A motorist, who was driving a Nissan Caravan vehicle with 18 passengers on board, collided head-on with a Mazda 323 with one passenger on board. The driver of the Nissan Caravan and the two occupants of the Mazda 323 vehicle died on the spot.
</blockquote>
<h2>More: <a class="external text" href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/" rel="nofollow">Pindula News </a>is best enjoyed <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/download/?utm_source=PindulaArticles&amp;utm_campaign=DownloadLink">via the App. Download it here</a></h2>

Three People Die On Spot As Kombi Collides With A Mazda 323 Vehicle

The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) and two minors who were injured when a Kombi they were travelling in overturned just after a police roadblock want the courts to ban the use of handheld spikes by law enforcement agents.
The kombi accident occurred in Mutare on 4 May 2022 after police officers manning a roadblock deployed handheld spikes in an attempt to stop the unlicensed vehicle, causing it to overturn.
Four passengers died while eight others were injured in the incident, with eyewitnesses blaming the police for the tragedy.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum on Thursday, 19 May issued a statement on PAZ’s legal challenge to the use of handheld metal spikes by the police. The statement read:
<blockquote>
The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) and two juveniles injured when a Toyota Hiace overturned in Mutare on 4 May 2022 have approached the High Court seeking to have the use of handheld spikes on moving vehicles declared illegal and interdict the police from using such crude policing method.
In an application filed on 19 May, the three are also seeking an order to have the smashing of windscreens declared illegal.
PAZ, a 70-year-old woman Laiza Chikonye and another woman who is representing two juveniles involved in the Mutare accident that was caused by the throwing of spikes by the police are represented by the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.
After the Mutare accident, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga issued a statement banning the use of the handheld spikes by the police, but the three want the practice to be declared illegal.
Last year, PAZ approached the High Court seeking the same relief, but the court dismissed that application on technical grounds, The Supreme Court however overturned the High Court decision.
Before the statement by the Police Commissioner-General, the police had issued similar statements condemning the use of handheld spikes but continued using them in enforcing traffic regulations.
PAZ and the two women are now seeking an order that binds the police and the Homa Affairs minister.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Declare Use Of Spikes Illegal, PAZ Pleads With High Court

The Government has doubled the hire fees for commuter omnibuses (kombis) contracted under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) franchise.
This comes after hundreds of transporters withdrew their vehicles from the ZUPCO pool citing meagre fees that were offered by the transport utility and a growing payment backlog.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development last week increased hire fees for kombis from $10 000 to $20 300 per day to lure back private players and motivate others to join the franchise.
Negotiations for a review of hire fees for privately-owned buses are ongoing and are expected to be completed this week.
In an interview with State media, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said:
<blockquote>
Last week’s transport challenges were mainly caused by the pulling out of commuter omnibuses under the Zupco franchise.
We have engaged Treasury and they have approved the upward review of the daily hire fees given to the kombis.
So we expect the situation to normalise.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zupco-doubles-payments-to-bus-owners">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Govt Doubles Hire Fees For Kombis Under ZUPCO Franchise

The Government says it would soon be opening up the public transport system to private players so that they complement services being provided by the State-run Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday, 7 May, said that the regulations to liberalise the transport sector will be announced soon. He said:
<blockquote>
Government is proceeding to open up the public transport system for other players in order to complement the services being provided by ZUPCO, in line with the reduction in COVID-19 cases and the subsequent opening up of the economy.
To complement the above measures, Government will allow for the duty-free importation for a period of 12 months for vehicles which meet regulations to be issued.
The liberalisation of the public transport system shall be done under terms and conditions to be published by Government.
The police would need to ensure that law and order is adhered to as the behaviour on our roads needs to be seriously attended to.
Non-adherence to the rules and regulations to be gazetted would not be tolerated.
</blockquote>
In 2020 the Government created a ZUPCO monopoly through the gazetting of Statutory Instrument (SI) 83 of 2020.
It said the move was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but critics argue that the ban on private buses and kombis was meant to manage the public transport sector following the January 2019 fuel riots.
In January 2019, transport operators pulled their vehicles off the roads in protest of a 150 per cent fuel price hike that was announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The ZUPCO monopoly has, however, brought immense suffering to commuters who have to spend several hours standing in the rain, heat or cold waiting for the woefully inadequate rickety ZUPCO buses.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zupco-doubles-payments-to-bus-owners">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Govt To Open Up Public Transport Sector To Private Players

The Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) has pleaded with the Government to end the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) monopoly.
ZUDAC president Frederick Maguramhinga called for dialogue between transport operators and the Government over the ZUPCO monopoly which he claimed has caused the shortage of transport in the country, especially in urban areas. Said Maguramhinga:
<blockquote>
The crisis in the transport sector has taken another level. There is a stalemate between the government and operators. There is no platform to discuss this because the door is closed.
The SI 83 of 2020 states that no one shall run public transport outside the Zupco franchise. The birth of this arrangement wasn’t inclusive.
It was imposed on operators. We were not given a chance to speak for our members. This system is surviving by force.
</blockquote>
The Government enforced ZUPCO’s transport monopoly in 2020 through Statutory Instrument (SI) 83 of 2020.
It said the move was aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus but critics argue that the ban on private buses and kombis was meant to manage the public transport sector following the January 2019 fuel riots.
In January 2019, transport operators pulled their vehicles off the roads in protest of a 150 per cent fuel price hike that was announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The ZUPCO monopoly has, however, brought immense suffering to commuters who have to spend several hours standing in the rain, heat or cold waiting for the woefully inadequate rickety ZUPCO buses.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/05/zupco-monopoly-unsustainable-transporters/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Transport Operators Call For Dialogue Over ZUPCO Monopoly

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) says the Government should reverse its decision to monopolise public transport.
In 2020 the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works ordered all players in the public transport sector to join the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) franchise or take their vehicles off the road.
According to PAZ president Tafadzwa Goliati, the move created a transport crisis, resulting in the emergence of a thriving illegal taxi business (mushikashika). Said Goliati:
<blockquote>
The economy is opening up and transport is an integral part of the economy. There is a need for adequate transport for everyone.
Schools and other sectors of the economy have reopened and some buses which are under ZUPCO have returned to rural areas or highway routes, so there is a need to increase transport operators.
Monopoly in a country like Zimbabwe will only create illegal taxis, and there is a need for the government to rectify the issue.
</blockquote>
A Harare commuter, Enock Hore, accused the Government of making their lives difficult by creating a monopoly in the transport sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Government should be blamed for creating chaos in the transport sector.
ZUPCO buses are not reliable and most of the buses plying urban routes are not in good condition.
Instead of protecting its citizens, our government has a penchant for making our lives more difficult.
</blockquote>
In his pre-recorded Workers’ Day speech, President Emmerson Mnangagwa accused illegal transport operators of “stealing” from workers. He said:
<blockquote>
The second republic is determined to retain the purchasing power of workers, through viable public transport systems.
Government will not stand by and watch while the hard-earned incomes of our workers are being stolen by mushikashika and makoronyera. No!
You, as our workers, deserve an efficient and affordable transport system so that production time, as well as your family time, is not lost in transport queues.
During peak hours, workers must be transported with the greatest ease.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) recently launched an operation targetting mushikashika and illegal hawkers.
Police arrested at least 70 drivers of pirate taxis and their unregistered vehicles were impounded on Sunday.
The operation has worsened the transport challenges being faced by commuters in urban areas, especially in Harare and Bulawayo.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/05/ed-declares-war-on-private-transporters/">NewsDay</a></h4>

"Govt To Blame For Transport Chaos"

A 20-year-old woman was raped by an unidentified kombi driver and his conductor after she had boarded their vehicle on Sunday.
Posting on their Twitter page, police said the suspects gave their would-be victim a lift at 6 PM in a white kombi at Mbudzi Roundabout and proceeded to the Ushewokunze area in Harare where they took turns to rape her. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of a kombi driver and his conductor who gang-raped a 20-year-old woman in the Ushewokunze area, Harare, after giving her a lift at 1801hrs in a white kombi at Mbudzi Roundabout.
</blockquote>
In an unrelated incident, a group of armed robbers consisting of 14 men and a woman stole US$40 000, ZWL$20 000 and a pistol among other items from a house in Chitungwiza. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is investigating a robbery case that occurred in Chitungwiza where 14 unknown men and a woman, armed with machetes, knobkerries and hammers pounced at a house in Manyame Park and assaulted the security guard who was on duty at the premises.
The suspects blasted the complainant’s bedroom window with dynamite and attacked the complainant, who was in bed with his wife and demanded cash.
They stole US$40 000, Z$20 000, six cellphones, a pistol with an empty magazine, car keys for an Isuzu KB300 and a Honda Fit vehicle.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Kombi Crew Rape Woman (20) In Ushewokunze

Hundreds of commuters in Bulawayo were on Thursday left stranded after some Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) drivers staged a strike in protest over salary payment delays.
The kombi owners who contracted their vehicles to ZUPCO told CITE that the parastatal is supposed to pay them ZWL$7 200 per day but they are yet to receive their January payments.
One of the kombi owners who was among several who had gathered at Kelvin depot waiting to be addressed by the ZUPCO management said:
<blockquote>
We have parked our cars because ZUPCO is breaching the contract we have with them.
We had agreed that we are going to receive our salaries within two weeks, but we are not getting the money as it is, we have not yet received our money for January.
They are giving us RTGS while our cars are also cashing in Rands and United States Dollars, all we want is the Government is to look into this issue so that we can also maybe receive half-pay as bond (Zimbabwe dollars).
</blockquote>
She added that kombi owners want ZUPCO to release some of the money in foreign currency so that they can buy spares for their vehicles. She said:
<blockquote>
Our employees are also blaming us for the delay in payment because it’s unfair to give someone RTGS which comes after one month when there is inflation in the country, how do we expect them to survive?
We are struggling to educate our children or even service our vehicles.
</blockquote>
Another kombi owner said that ZUPCO was reneging on an agreement they initially entered into, to pay them after every two weeks. He said:
<blockquote>
When we started we had an agreement that we are going to receive our salary every fortnight but now it goes past one month without us being paid.
The working conditions for our drivers are also not conducive because at the end of the day the driver will be tired and they expect us to employ two drivers but we can’t sustain that kind of arrangement.
</blockquote>
We cannot afford to employ two drivers so at the end of the day we are now risking the lives of passengers.
When contacted for a comment by CITE, ZUPCO Chief Executive Officer, Everisto Madangwa, said he was in a meeting.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/zupco-drivers-strive-over-salaries/">CITE</a></h4>

ZUPCO Drivers Strike Over Salaries, Again

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), in conjunction with the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO), has re-introduced commuter trains in Bulawayo to ease transport challenges that were caused by the banning of private kombis by the government one-and-half years ago.
The NRZ-ZUPCO train service was launched in Harare two months ago. The service is expected to be extended to the country’s third-largest city, Gweru, following its launch in Bulawayo.
NRZ board member Kenias Mafukidze, who stood in for board chairperson, Martin Dinha, said commuter trains are a direct response to the transport challenges in urban areas. Said Mafukidze:
<blockquote>
Commuter trains are a solution to reduce traffic congestion in major cities because of the high traffic volumes currently experienced in Bulawayo and Harare.
</blockquote>
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
She said the re-introduction of commuter trains in Bulawayo indicates the government’s commitment to ensure a safe, affordable and reliable public transport system. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
This NRZ-ZUPCO undertaking is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment towards putting people first because they deserve safe, affordable and reliable means of transport.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/bulawayo-commuter-train-re-commissioned/">ZBC News</a></h4>

NRZ Introduces ZUPCO Trains In Bulawayo

A Harare kombi driver appeared before a magistrate over the weekend after he allegedly caused an accident while driving towards oncoming traffic.
The suspect Nzeke Lasmon (20), was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko.
He was remanded in custody to 29 September.
Prosecuting, Anesu Chirenje said that on 18 September, at around 8 am, Nzeke was driving a Toyota Hiace registration number ADB 8368 with eight passengers on board along Bulawayo Road due east against one way on the outer lane of the dual carriageway.
Along the said road opposite National Sports Stadium, Nzeke bumped into a Mercedes Benz registered AEI 9581 which was travelling north along Belvedere strip road giving way to traffic from the right at an intersection intending to turn.
The Mercedes Benz, which belongs to an unnamed minister, sustained damages on the front due to the collision but no one was injured.
The state alleges Nzeke’s driving was negligent in the circumstances.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/kombi-rams-into-ministers-mercedes/">H-Metro</a></h4>

Kombi Driver Crashes Into Minister's Mercedes Benz

The Passenger Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has implored the government to break the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO)’s monopoly by licensing more private players to provide public transport services.
This follows yesterday’s chaos caused by ZUPCO’s inability to provide transport timeously, leaving thousands of commuters waiting in winding queues dejectedly in various terminuses in Harare.
The transport challenges were exacerbated by a police clampdown on mushikashika vehicles that have been filling the gap left by ZUPCO.
PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati urged Government to consider licensing more private players so that the situation improves. He said:
<blockquote>
While efforts to increase the number of buses through the importation of new coaches are noted and commended, we humbly recommend that the Government also augment its existing ZUPCO fleet with other alternative mass public transport initiatives.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZUPCO chief executive officer Everisto Madangwa said ZUPCO is expecting 50 more buses next week.
ZUPCO currently owns a fleet of 262 buses and at least 550 more from franchisees.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/new-private-transport-operators-urged-to-join-zupco">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Passengers’ Association Wants ZUPCO Monopoly To End

Commuters have described as unfair the decision by the police to fine members of the public who board buses, kombis and Mushikashika not registered under the Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) franchise.
Police recently announced that commuters who board non-ZUPCO vehicles risk fines of $2 000 each, as they step up operations against errant buses, commuter omnibus and private car operators who continue defying COVID-19 regulations.
But commuters have attributed the boarding of unregistered buses, kombis and mushikashika which are operating illegally to the lack of ZUPCO buses and kombis across the country.
In separate interviews with The Herald, the commuters said the fines were unfair as police must assess the transport situation before coming up with such a punitive measure.
They said another reason why they used the mushikashika was that they would want to get home before the curfew kicks in.
Beauty Maphosa said: “The police must understand that there are not enough Zupco buses for everyone and that not all of us have private vehicles, so they must scrap the fines and encourage those who are hitchhiking to follow the COVID-19 health guidelines”.
Soneni Matore said: “The reason why we go to mushikashika is that there will be no ZUPCO buses or kombis at the rank. The other thing is that when a Zupco bus leaves, it takes more than an hour for another bus to come and pick up passengers.”
Jabulani Mhlanga: “We do not want to board pirate taxis, but we have no choice otherwise we will be stranded in town until late. If you notice, after 7 pm you rarely find any ZUPCO bus or kombi in town, so the only available alternative is mushikashika.”
Knowledge Mutasa said: “If they want people to use authorised ZUPCO buses, the Government should extend the curfew hours maybe to 8 pm and increase the number of ZUPCO buses and kombis. If they do so, I am sure all passengers will be in the ranks without fear of being caught offside after curfew hours.”
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/commuters-bemoan-shortage-of-zupco-buses/">The Herald</a></h4>

Commuters Bemoan Shortage Of ZUPCO Buses Amid Police Clampdown On Mushikashika

Nearly 200 passengers were arrested on Tuesday and fined $2 000 for boarding buses that are not registered with Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).
By the time of closing business, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had impounded more than 20 buses, arrested 179 passengers for boarding illegal buses, and other Mushikashika vehicles.
Mbare police station impounded 16 buses while Harare Central had 13 buses.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the arrest urging commuters to use ZUPCO registered buses saying the operation was necessitated by an increase in robbery and rape cases involving illegal transport. Inspector Mwana said:
<blockquote>
Police are urging people to use ZUPCO registered buses only to avoid being arrested.
The move by police to arrest passengers was necessitated by an increase in robbery and rape cases involving these illegal transport operators.
We want to warn motorists and bus operators who are disregarding government directives that police will not tire until they bring all culprits to book.
Among the buses impounded were those found ferrying people from one City to the other taking advantage of the green light given to legal operators to ferry school children.
Police discovered that some operators ferried passengers from one City to the other who were not school children.
All local school children are urged to use ZUPCO registered buses and omnibuses only and police will be visible in all street corners and roads to monitor safe movement of legal transport operators.
</blockquote>
A number of commuters have been injured as illegal transport operators evade arrest while some are forced to disembark before reaching their destinations.
Private-owned commuter omnibuses <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/11/01/kombis-may-never-return-to-ply-urban-routes/">(kombis) and buses were in 2020 banned from roads</a> following the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Authorities have invited private kombi and bus operators to register with ZUPCO if they want to return on the roads.
Some have registered but some refused citing the “unsustainability” of the deal.
More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/fined-for-boarding-mushikashika/">H-Metro</a>

Nearly 200 Passengers Fined $2000 For Using Transport Not Registered With ZUPCO

Commuters have continued to shun Zimbabwe United Passengers Company (ZUPCO) buses since the public transporter hiked fares by 100 per cent early this month.
A survey conducted by Southern Eye in Bulawayo on Monday established that ZUPCO bus crews were now forced to accept half fares after commuters began shunning their buses.
The bus crews were also seen begging for customers at various pick-up points in Bulawayo, with commuters choosing to board illegal taxis (mushikashika) and privately-owned kombis that are operating illegally.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zupco-hikes-fares-effective-01-july/">ZUPCO Hikes Fares Effective 01 July</a></li>
</ul>
Private transporters are charging between $40 and $50, while ZUPCO buses increased fares to $60 and $80 with effect from 1 July. A commuter, Nombulelo Nyoni, told Southern Eye:
<blockquote>ZUPCO conductors are approaching us this time asking us to get into their kombis and buses at lower fares. They are facing serious resistance from commuters who are shunning their buses.</blockquote>
Most commuters who spoke to the publication said ZUPCO should revert to the old fares, which are half of the current prices.
ZUPCO chief executive officer Everisto Madangwa told State media that the new fares were a cost-containment measure by the company. He said:
<blockquote>High operational costs and frequent price hikes taking place in the country has made us increase the fares to ensure the company improves service delivery as well as cushion its costs.
What the public should however note is that we do not increase our prices all the time, instead of after a period of time.</blockquote>
The government phased out private transport operators, ostensibly to bring “sanity” on urban roads.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/07/passengers-boycott-zupco-buses-over-fare-hike/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Passengers Boycott ZUPCO Buses Over Fare Hike

The owner of one of the two commuter omnibuses (kombis) which were burnt to shells on Wednesday following fierce clashes with the police in Bulawayo’s city centre said that he lost his only source of income.
Louis Tshuma (37) of Lobengula West told CITE in an interview on Thursday that he purchased the vehicle using a bank loan and he was still in the process of repaying the loan. He said:
<blockquote>This was my only kombi. I took a bank loan in 2014 and I am in the last year of paying back the loan. I am just speechless. I was called by my driver to the scene. I am actually still in a state of shock as it is.
The thing is I can’t even ask my driver questions like what really happened because he is also in a state of shock, if you saw the video, he actually escaped the teargas, I have to wait for him to be calm down before we can talk.</blockquote>
Tshuma added that he was yet to receive official communication from the police concerning the incident. He said:
<blockquote>I am still waiting for official communication from the police because at the moment they haven’t said anything to me.
My driver is the one who was told to report to the police today (Thursday) but when he got there, they told him the police handling the case went to court.
If the police contact me, I will take it from there but if they are quiet there is nothing I can do.
Right now, they are saying they are investigating so I can’t fight a losing battle because the way they are putting their facts is not straight, they have so many contradicting facts.</blockquote>
The government banned privately-owned commuter omnibuses last year after the country declared a nationwide lockdown in an effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Tshuma, however, said he could not afford to park his vehicle as he is the breadwinner in his family and has to provide for them.
<h4>More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/burnt-kombi-owner-speaks-out/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CITE</a></h4>

Burnt Kombi Owner Speaks Out

Private commuter omnibus (kombi) operators have continued operating in defiance of a government ban while also refusing to place their vehicles under the control of the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).
The government banned kombis from operating ostensibly as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus since last year.
The banned kombis and illegal pirate taxis commonly referred to as mushikashika, are back in full force following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in March.
The Government has made it clear that ZUPCO is the sole operator of urban public transport using buses and kombis.
Private operators were directed to join the ZUPCO franchise and operate under ZUPCO control and rules.
The police have been told to enforce the regulations and remove the pirate kombis and the mushikashika but it seems they are either unwilling or unable to enforce the order.
According to a report by The Herald, on Friday, along Simon Mazorodze Road, near Mbare Police Station at the ZBC corner, over 10 police officers were in front of illegal transport operators loading behind them and ignoring them.
Meanwhile, illegal transport operators argued that it is difficult for them to stop pirating because that is their only source of income to fend for their families.
They say that registering with ZUPCO is expensive, hence they cannot be contracted to them.
The ZUPCO buses and kombis are too few and expensive and this forces commuters to use the banned vehicles at time riding in open trucks.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/operators-of-illegal-kombis-mushikashika-remain-defiant/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Illegal Kombi Operators, Mushikashika Defy Ban

MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa said the government should lift the ban on private omnibus (kombi) operators and allow them to operate as before.
Chamisa argued that the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) monopoly is not only illegal but has rendered thousands of Zimbabwean youths jobless after they were forced to park their kombis.
Further, members of the public spend hours in queues and are then packed like sardines in few ZUPCO buses, exposing them to the deadly coronavirus. Chamisa tweeted:
<blockquote>The illegal ZUPCO monopoly has left many jobless and brought suffering leaving many stranded or in overcrowded rickety buses and resorting to insecure open trucks. ZUPCO is potentially a COVID-19 super spreader but ‘Chefs’ don’t care. #BringbackKombis</blockquote>
This comes after Minister of Local Government and Public Works <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/02/private-kombis-gone-for-good/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">July Moyo on Saturday said companies that had engaged private transport operators must do so through ZUPCO.</a> He said:
<blockquote>ZUPCO affiliated commuter omnibuses are the only ones allowed to operate, that is the policy in place and it has not changed.
Anybody who has their own buses and wants to operate must go and register with ZUPCO.
This all is to ensure that we manage urban companies through one company but with many owners.
All we are saying is that we want to bring sanity to the whole system.
Even companies that want to hire buses for their workers should do so through ZUPCO alone and not hire private companies.</blockquote>
Last week hundreds of people, including schoolchildren in Bulawayo, were left stranded as police impounded staff buses, vehicles hired to ferry school children that are not registered under ZUPCO and pirate taxis.
This resulted in chaos as most school children who are ferried to schools in hired buses were stranded while some workers failed to get to work in time.
The private-owned commuter omnibuses have been banned since the lockdown was effected on 30 March last year as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus and only operators affiliated with ZUPCO were allowed to operate.

Bring Back Kombis, Says Chamisa

Private Commuter Omnibus (Kombi) operators affiliated to the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) have bemoaned the “outrageous” daily targets they are supposed to meet.
Kombi operators are reportedly expected to hit a target of RTGS$15000 per day while their daily wage is reportedly at RTGS$4000.
This means ZUPCO takes RTGS$11000 and there are reports that the government parastatal delays in paying operators thereby affecting Kombi operations.
Startup.biz reports that Kombi operators are paid in RTGS$ which is ironic given that operators would have remitted cash.
This means they will end up incurring costs as they will be converting the RTGS back to cash as some service providers do not accept electronic money.
As a result of many challenges associated with being registered under ZUPCO, dozens of Kombi operators have reportedly quit.
Startup.biz reports that around 98 per cent of commuter omnibuses that had initially registered under ZUPCO are now parked with owners highlighting that it was no sustainable to keep their vehicles on the road.
They claim that the money they get monthly is not enough to meet costs such as maintenance of the vehicles and to pay staff.
Reports suggest that for a kombi to affiliate with ZUPCO, operators need about ZWL$128 000 that will cover all the requirements spanning from operating licenses to VID retests.
The ZUPCO initiative was reintroduced in 2019 to address anarchy that prevailed in the public transport sector.
ZUPCO buses also offered a cheaper option forcing kombi operators who were hiking fares willy nilly to reconsider their actions.
However, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/01/15/zupco-reviews-fares-with-effect-from-18-january/">newly gazetted fares</a> and long queues that characterise the ZUPCO terminus are testimony that the parastatal is failing to achieve set objectives.
ZUPCO’s fleet is inadequate to address the demand that has been growing especially when the government moved to reopen the economy after a year of the COVID-19-induced lockdown.
While the government is adamant that privately-owned kombis that are not registered under ZUPCO will never get back on the road, reports suggest that there are some that are illegally plying some routes.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://startupbiz.co.zw/commuter-omnibus-operators-under-zupco-not-happy/">Startup.biz</a>

Kombi Operators Bemoan ZUPCO's Outrageous Daily Targets

A Masvingo man broke his leg after being thrown out of a kombi that was engaged in a high-speed chase with a police vehicle at Caravan Park recently.
According to Masvingo Mirror, Jealousy Mashiri of Mucheke and three other passengers were thrown out of the vehicle after it rammed into a signpost.
Mashiri is now admitted to Masvingo Provincial Hospital with a fractured leg.
Masvingo Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa professed ignorance over the matter.
However, Masvingo Mirror reported sources saying some of the passengers were taken to Masvingo Central Police Station and later released.
The kombi was reportedly taken to the VID after the accident. A source is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>The vehicle was parked next to Masvingo Magistrates Court when a speeding Police truck arrived.
Police officers began hitting the kombi with their batons and the driver drove away towards Nyika at high speed but he hit a rock at Caravan Park and the vehicle nearly overturned at the edge of the road before hitting a Shakashe River signpost causing the door to fall off throwing out passengers.</blockquote>
A lawyer who spoke to the publication said police are not allowed to engage in high-speed chases with vehicles carrying passengers.
<h4>More: <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/passenger-thrown-out-breaks-leg-in-police-kombi-chase/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Masvingo Mirror</a></h4>

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