A CITY HELD TO RANSOM BY KOMBI CREWS . . .At least 13 000 commuter omnibuses unregistered

Theseus Shambare

LAST month, a video of a private-owned commuter omnibus (kombi) driver and his conductor abandoning a moving vehicle with passengers on board while being pursued by the police went viral.

The ramshackle kombi veered off the road and plunged into a small ditch.

The incident could have easily resulted in fatalities had the kombi plunged into a ravine, collided with oncoming traffic or struck a big tree.

The driver, reportedly evading the authorities after violating traffic regulations, clearly disregarded passenger safety, prioritising only his own escape from arrest.

The incident is but one example of the many cases that have turned our roads into perilous death traps. Hardly a day passes without news of a horrific accident involving a commuter omnibus.

Kombi crews operate with impunity; they flagrantly disregard traffic laws. They are seemingly confident in their ability to evade the consequences of even the most horrific of offences.

It is a common sight to witness them running red lights, driving against traffic or traversing pavements and road verges, sometimes even under the watchful eye of the authorities.

Fradreck Maguramhinga, president of the Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators (ZUDCO)

For example, navigating Malvern Road in Waterfalls, Harare, has become a hazardous undertaking.

Kombis heading out of town routinely drive against the flow of traffic, resulting in daily head-on collisions.

Similarly, it has become common to see these public transport vehicles speeding through police roadblocks with someone (or more people at times) hanging precariously at the back, posing grave danger to the individual and other road users.

Commuters in the city have become accustomed to the chaos that characterises their daily commute.

One could be forgiven for assuming that kombi crews own the roads and are accountable to no one.

“Our roads are no longer safe because of these kombi drivers. They drive recklessly and are incredibly arrogant.

“They ignore road regulations and verbally or physically abuse us if we dare to reprimand them.

“We have nowhere to turn, as they appear to operate in collusion with the authorities,” lamented Erick Muzanenhamo, a motorist.

Arrogance

These rogue crews even boast about their ability to bribe their way out of any traffic violation case.

“You just need to carry some loose cash, especially US$5 notes.

“A single note can do wonders for you on the road. The money can guarantee immunity and a smooth passage during operations,” one driver bragged.

Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliati confirmed the unruly behaviour.

“The major challenges are lack of discipline on the part of operators and lack of strict enforcement of regulations.

“Indeed, commuters are subjected to abuse by such individuals, who do not face serious consequences,” said Goliati.

The daily sight of numerous commuters walking into town along Seke Road and other major routes leading into the central business district has become familiar.

“They tell you they are no longer going into town and drop us off at the corner of Cripps and Seke roads, avoiding a roadblock on a section leading into town. They consider this a ‘favour’ since the police are not allowing them on the road,” said Rutendo Matizira from Zengeza, Chitungwiza.

Commuters bear the brunt of the cat-and-mouse games between the authorities and kombi crews.

And the kombi crews appear unrepentant if the insignia, messages, maxims, names and writings on their vehicles are anything to go by.

The inscription “Mushikashika ndiyo skiri yedu” (Hustling is our skill) on one kombi sparked debate on social media. It seemed to be a bold declaration of their affinity to operate outside the law.

They have developed their own jargon, coupled with a penchant for stubbornness and resistance to any criticism of their work.

Some crews refuse to lower radio volume or reduce speed.

Others simply increase fares after passengers have boarded and the journey has begun.

Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA) chairperson Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe

Harare Youth Transporters Association (HAYTA) chairperson Edmore Tirivanhu Gwengwe said: “We expect transport operators to respect their passengers, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the municipal police.

“Our association has resolved that any driver found on the wrong side of the law must be blacklisted from driving public transport vehicles. We do not want to operate outside the confines of the law.”

Quest for order

Attempts to bring order to Harare’s public transport system have resulted in little success over the years.

After the Government liberalised the urban transport sector in the early 1990s, private operators assumed a dominant role, as the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) struggled to provide adequate service.

A reform of the public transport sector was attempted at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the suspension of privately owned kombis on March 30, 2020.

State-owned Zupco was given the sole mandate to provide urban mass public transport, requiring all private operators to register under the parastatal’s franchise.

This was meant to create an orderly transport system.

Despite the ban, some private players continued to deploy their vehicles, leading to constant clashes with law-enforcement agencies.

While cities like Bulawayo boast relatively well-coordinated operator associations and more predictable fare structures, Harare remains a battleground.

“It is like a free-for-all,” remarked Ngoni Katsvairo, secretary-general of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACCO).

“Various associations exist, but they are largely ineffective, overshadowed by the rise of touts and rank barons.”

These shadowy figures have become the de facto controllers of Harare’s transport system.

“They collect at least US$2 and up to US$5 per trip. Imagine, millions of dollars going into private pockets every month!” said Katsvairo.

“The most pressing issue is the absence of a legal framework — an Act of Parliament or statutory instrument — regulating associations nationwide.

“This has allowed illegal associations and corruption syndicates to operate, tarnishing legitimate organisations.

“The Government must develop a clear transport policy and updated legal framework to guide the operation of associations and public transport in general.”

The impact of these illegal levies is devastating.

Legal operators, struggling to survive, are forced to pass on these costs to passengers, resulting in inflated fares and further hardship for commuters.

“The situation has reached a crisis point,” lamented Reason Dombo, president of the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC) and also a commuter omnibus operator.

“The cost of becoming a compliant operator is now exorbitant.

“We face significant challenges in transitioning from small-scale to large-scale operations because of these obstacles.”

Drivers like Tendai, better known as Madzibaba, a father of three, feel unregistered operators who bribe the authorities have a better deal.

Crackdowns

Commuters continue to use mishikashika as they face exorbitant fares and unpredictable schedules from legal operators.

This further fuels the chaos, as these unlicensed vehicles often operate with less regard for safety and regulations.

Last year, the police launched “Tame the Traffic Jungle”, a blitz focusing on removing vehicles, including kombis, that violate traffic rules from the roads.

Over 100 000 arrests were made and nearly 2 000 vehicles were impounded. This has, however, not changed the mindset of the kombi crews.

The police have launched another operation, “No to Mushikashika and Lawlessness on the Roads”, targeting more than 13 500 unregistered kombis and pirate taxis in an effort to restore order in Harare.

Reports indicate that approximately 16 500 kombis operate in the city, with only 2 950 registered.

“We still witness corrupt activities happening in broad daylight as these unregistered vehicles pay for their easy passage,” alleged Rutendo Matiyenga of Hatfield.

Recently, a video circulated on social media showing traffic officers allegedly accepting bribes from crews of kombis and pirate taxis at the Mabvuku turn-off along Mutare Road.

The officers were arrested and their case is currently before the courts.

Syndicates

An investigation by this publication has uncovered evidence suggesting that some police officers have formed syndicates to exploit the ongoing operation for personal gain.

In Epworth and Hatfield, some officers routinely set up roadblocks where they take bribes from drivers of unregistered vehicles and those who commit other offences.

To conceal their illicit activities, these officers have enlisted the services of vendors.

Conductors of commuter omnibuses usually disembark and discreetly hand the vendor a predetermined “subscription” fee, which is said to be about US$3.

This guarantees unimpeded passage throughout the day.

This modus operandi is replicated at other checkpoints.

“You will often witness a police officer arresting one kombi driver while allowing another to continue loading at an undesignated spot, which always suggests bribes are at play,” said Farai, a vendor based along Rezende Street.

Collective effort

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the ZRP is all out to end corruption.

“As you are aware, we have been arresting some rogue police officers found to be operating outside the confines of the law.

“We urge the public to assist us in rooting out corrupt individuals, as we consider public safety a collective effort. Please play your part,” said Comm Nyathi.

The Vehicle Inspection Department said it will continue enforcing the law.

Harare City Council spokesperson Stanley Gama said:

“There are many suggestions that have been put forward to ensure that city commuter operations meet the expected standards.

“While colour coding routes is one suggestion, we will continue impounding unregistered vehicles and bringing to book all those who flout city by-laws.”

Commuters, Gama said, must play their part by using designated areas of operation.

Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said there is a need to expeditiously implement an integrated traffic management system so that traffic offenders are held accountable.

He called for the introduction of a reliable, affordable and efficient public transportation system like the old one involving Zupco and the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

He urged the Government to remove excessive taxes and restrictions on kombi operators.

Fradreck Maguramhinga, president of the Zimbabwe United Deregulated Commuter Operators (ZUDCO), cited exorbitant compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles as the reason behind unlicensed operators.

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