Day in the Life of a Commuter

By Regina Pasipanodya

With the last minute rush to make sure that they get everything needed in preparation for back to school, Charity Mutedza did not know that she would have the worst experience ever.

“I am grateful that I did not suffer any injuries,” she told Zimba Wave News.

Following the ongoing Police-Kombi blitz in Harare, just like many other unfortunate commuters, Mutedza could not proceed with what she had planned for the day.

“Just after our kombi stopped along Mbuya Nehanda street to drop us, all of a sudden it seemed like a temple run, there was chaos everywhere with kombis getting off unexpectedly.”

“It was a cat and mouse situation and all I could do was quickly jump on the pavement with the hope that I was going to be safe there. But unfortunately, it wasn’t me alone running for a safe standing. With all that chaos I fell down after I failed to balance due to pressure,” said Mutedza.

Due to the ongoing blitz many commuters in Harare are facing challenges daily.

The situation has turned into a nightmare as most people who are scared for their safety in the CBD, or worried about spending hours struggling to get transport.

“For a moment I thought of going back home, the fare from Epworth which used to be 50c around midmorning was going for a dollar the whole day,” said Alfred Muza from Epworth.

However, in a statement on X, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the blitz saying its operation “No to Mushikashika, private taxis and lawlessness on the roads.”

“The current operation will target everybody who is posing as a danger to innocent motorists by causing congestion, picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points, creating imaginary lanes, driving against the how of traffic cone way and those operating as public service vehicles but they do not have relevant parents, routes authority and vehicle fitness.”

“The police are aware that some kombi operating and crew have removed red plates and are now operating with Yellow plates while playing hide and seek with law enforcement officers,” said Police Spokesperson, Inspector Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a statement.

Speaking to Zimba Wave News, the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) notes with concern about the transport challenges faced by residents in various parts of Greater Harare.

In an interview, National Coordinator of Passengers Association of Zimbabwe Tafadzwa Goliati said the scarcity of reliable transportation options has led to a surge in the use of illegal pirate vehicles.”

“We therefore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to prioritize passengers’ rights and safety, particularly when dealing with pirate vehicles. When passengers are forced to disembark due to the arrest of these vehicles, the police must assist in ensuring that passengers receive refunds for their fare,” said Goliati.

PAZ also calls on the relevant authorities to address the root causes of the transport challenges and work towards providing reliable and safe transportation options for all.

The police reiterates that all Zimbabweans should cooperate with police officers deployed for this operation to promote road safety for all.