By Staff Reporter
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has raised concern over alleged harassment of travellers at Mbare Musika bus terminus, where some passengers are reportedly being denied access to public ablution facilities or asked to pay to use them.
In a statement dated PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said the situation at the Mutare–Mutoko rank has left commuters inconvenienced, with some failing to access toilets at the busy transport hub.
“Reports indicate that certain individuals controlling the rank are demanding payment for use of the toilet, yet it is a public facility that should be free of charge,” Goliati said.
He added that such practices disadvantage travellers, particularly those on long-distance routes, and may amount to harassment when access to basic services is restricted.
Mbare Musika is one of Harare’s main public transport interchanges, serving thousands of passengers daily.
PAZ has called on local authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and restore access to the facility.
“We appeal to responsible local leadership, the relevant authorities, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that the toilet is accessible to all members of the travelling public without hindrance or unlawful charges,” Goliati said.
Efforts to obtain comment from the City of Harare and police were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The association said it would continue to monitor the situation, urging authorities to address the concerns to safeguard the welfare and dignity of commuters.
