Staff Reporter
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has called on police to strengthen enforcement measures against unlicensed touts allegedly driving commuter omnibuses, warning that the practice is endangering passengers’ lives.
In a statement, PAZ national coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati said some commuter omnibus drivers were allegedly handing over vehicles to touts who do not possess driver’s licences.
“Local passengers are no longer safe at all. Some kombi drivers surrender their allocated vehicles to touts without licences,” said Goliati.
He alleged that the touts were transporting passengers while learning how to drive, a practice commonly referred to as “kuchera”.
“These touts then pick up and drop off passengers, essentially learning how to drive while ferrying people. This practice, known as ‘kuchera,’ puts lives at risk,” he said.
Goliati also raised concerns over procedures followed at police roadblocks, alleging that conductors often interact with police officers while drivers remain inside the vehicles.
“At roadblocks, often only the conductor disembarks to speak to the police while the driver remains in the vehicle. The police are supposed to inspect the vehicle and check the driver’s licence, but the conductor is not the driver,” he said.
He appealed to the Commissioner-General of Police to prioritise passenger safety and ensure that only licensed drivers operate public transport vehicles.
“We are appealing to the Commissioner-General of Police to prioritise our safety on the roads,” said Goliati.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Zimbabwe Republic Police were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
