Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo are gearing up to launch a major crackdown on illegal taxi operators, known as mushika shika, and unruly kombi crews in a bid to restore order in the City's chaotic transport sector.
This move comes in response to mounting complaints about widespread lawlessness, particularly in the City Centre, where illegal taxis and inter-city buses routinely violate traffic regulations and the City by-laws, causing severe disruptions.
The situation worsens during peak traffic hours—mornings, afternoons, and after work—when illegal operators frequently block roads as they scramble for passengers.
These actions have led to significant congestion, unsafe driving conditions, and growing frustration among motorists and pedestrians alike.
Despite several previous attempts by law enforcement to address the problem, mushika shika operators have continued to operate with impunity, exacerbating the disorder.
In an interview with this publication, yesterday, Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube expressed concern over the increasing number of illegal taxi ranks that has sprung up across the City.
"The illegal taxi ranks, where mushika shika drivers pick up and drop off passengers, have become a serious problem. Our traffic division is conducting routine raids, and we have impounded over 30 vehicles involved in illegal activities," Ncube stated.
He also stressed that these operations would continue until order is restored in the transport sector.
Since the Police launched their latest crackdown last Monday, more than 30 illegal taxi drivers have been arrested and their vehicles impounded.
Authorities have made it clear that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing transport chaos and improve safety for road users.
Inspector Ncube further urged the public to avoid boarding illegal taxis, warning that these vehicles often lack proper insurance and pose a significant danger to passengers.
The blitz has been welcomed by registered taxi operators, who have long decried the rise of illegal mushika shika services.
Members of the Tshova Mubaiwa and the Bulawayo United Passenger Transporters Association (BUPTA) have repeatedly complained that these illegal operators are undercutting their businesses by flouting regulations that require public transport vehicles to be registered and to operate only from designated pick-up and drop-off points.
During a survey conducted by the Harare Post reporters last week, several illegal taxi ranks were identified in the City Centre.
Notable locations include, the corner of Fife Street and 8th Avenue, where mushika shika drivers offer transport to Selbourne Park.
Another illegal rank was found at Fort Street and 8th Avenue, servicing commuters travelling to western suburbs like Nketa, Nkulumane, and Emganwini.
A particularly busy hub of illegal activity is located along Joshua Mqabuko Street and Third Avenue, with taxis heading to Trenance, Northend, and Saucerstown.
Meanwhile, the taxi operators' associations in Bulawayo have formally petitioned the Bulawayo City Council to address these concerns, particularly the unclear regulations surrounding route-sharing, which they claim have resulted in arbitrary fare increases and undermined fair competition.
The petition, signed by 81 members, outlines the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the current system to prevent further chaos in the City's transport sector.
