The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged the Police and municipalities to take action against touts (mahwindi) who intimidate, harass, and assault passengers at bus terminuses and ranks across the country.
These unruly elements are particularly prevalent at locations such as Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, Mbare Musika, Mutare Rank, Mutoko Rank, and the Harare Exhibition Park (Showgrounds).
PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati has called on the Police to increase their presence at these hotspots and crack down on unlicensed operators and rogue elements. Said Goliati:
<blockquote>
This behaviour is unacceptable. Passengers are being bullied, manhandled, and subjected to verbal abuse by touts operating with impunity.
It is time for decisive action to protect travellers. The safety and dignity of passengers must be prioritised.
We demand the immediate arrest of these touts who are tarnishing the public transport sector. We also urge the police to work closely with municipalities to create a safer environment for passengers. Enough is enough.
</blockquote>
On Saturday, scores of passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare, with some being forced off a Mutare-bound bus by touts.
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The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe is angry at touts who are bothering and hurting passengers at bus stops. They want the Police to stop these touts from scaring people at places like Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus and others. The Association says that passengers are being mistreated and need protection. They want the touts to be arrested and for the Police to work with the local governments to make bus stops safer. Recently, passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare and they want it to stop. The Association is demanding action to make sure passengers are safe and respected.

Passengers Association Calls For Crackdown On "Mahwindi"

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched an operation to remove touts from bus terminuses and bus stops across the country.
Dubbed “No To Touts”, the operation is targetting individuals who harass, threaten and force travellers to board buses or mushikashika (pirate taxis) against their will.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 22, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said public service vehicle operators who employ touts will be arrested and taken to court. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a comprehensive operation dubbed, “No To Touts” throughout the country to specifically ensure that all touting activities by gangs who are harassing, threatening and forcing travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis are arrested and taken to court.
As on 20th June 2024, a total of 410 touts were arrested and taken to court for the law to take its course.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged the Judicial Service Commission for all suspects arrested to appear in court in batches. In this regard, no deposit fines will be accepted at Police Stations.
Public service vehicle operators and their crews are strongly warned against employing touts. The operators will also face the due consequences of the law if evidence points to them as employers of touts.
In the same vein, pirate taxis or mushikashika vehicles that are also using touts to perpetuate illegal activities such as picking up and dropping passengers at undesignated points will not be spared.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to report anyone engaged in touting activities at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
</blockquote>
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