The Zimbabwe Republic Police last week embarked on a sensitisation campaign aimed at educating commuters to report operators who charge exorbitant fares during peak hours.
Operators plying most urban area routes are reportedly charging double fares because they say they are being fleeced of their profits by traffic police officers whom they accused of “demanding too much money in bribes.”
Operators plying the Chitungwiza-city route were charging $1,50 per trip instead of the stipulated $1 during peak hours, while those servicing the Southlea Park-City route were also charging $1 during peak hours instead of the stipulated R5.
Last week, the Harare Central police public relations department deployed officers at various ranks where officers educated the public on what to do in the event that kombi operators over charged them. At the Charge Office terminus, officers using loud speakers told the public: “Take note of the number plate, time and the route that the commuter is travelling to and bring all that information to the police station so that the law can take its course against them.”
Commuters hailed the move and said it was long overdue. Shadreck Hapagutwi from Hatfield said kombi operators were taking advantage of the desperation of commuters but the campaign would ensure that citizens work hand-in-glove with the officers to ensure that justice prevails. “Sometimes, commuters wait for the officers to do everything but this is an opportunity for citizens to contribute to justice,” he said.
Another commuter, Frederick Gwatidzo, 65, from Zengeza 3 in Chitungwiza said kombi operators were taking advantage of commuters, and the move by the traffic department was welcome.
“We should be assured that those who violate the law are brought to book. The possible challenge that we face is corruption. ZRP should put mechanisms in place to ensure that there are no underhand dealings between the traffic police and errant kombi operators,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said it was the duty of the police traffic section department to ensure that kombi operators adhere to the law. “It is the duty of the police to educate the public on such matters and ensure that citizens are aware of the correct procedure to follow in the event that they are overcharged. So far, we are happy that we have managed to inform the public of their right to being charged reasonable fares to and fro their destinations,” he said.
Post published in: News