Rudo Mandiro
POLICE have impounded over 13 000 pirate vehicles under an ongoing operation meant to end chaos on urban roads.
Operation Chishikashika Ngachipere has also accounted for over 20 000 touts working illegally with pirate vehicle operators since it commenced in January.
Pirate taxi operators have been taking advantage of the current transport challenges to operate illegally in contravention of Covid-19 prevention regulations.
In an interview, police national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation was ongoing. “We have an ongoing operation targeting pirate vehicles,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“So far we have impounded 13 220 vehicles for operating illegally. We have also arrested 20 457 people for touting.”
Recently, police in Harare impounded 32 buses that were loading passengers at Mbare Musika Terminus. Some 170 passengers were arrested and fined $2 000 for contravening Section 7 (2) as read with 49 (2) of the Traffic (Traffic Signs and Signal) Regulations of 2016.