Marondera – A major police operation in Mashonaland East has seen the impounding of 348 vehicles, mostly Honda Fit models used as unregistered public transport and pirate taxis, commonly known as “mushikashika”.
Assistant Commissioner Operations for Mashonaland East, Ezekiel Munengerwa, explained that the operation is a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing lawlessness on the roads. He highlighted the growing concern over the use of Honda Fit models for criminal activities, including robberies.
“This is part of the national operation we are conducting whose purpose is to make sure our roads are safe for the community and to make it safe for all road users. The operation intends to impound unregistered vehicles, those without number plates displayed and the so called mushikashika,” he said.
“Mushikashika have become a menace and as a province we have managed to impound 348 mushikashika vehicles. This is what we are doing. We are urging the motoring public to abide by the laws of the country and the by-laws of local authorities. They should avoid lawlessness at all costs. Mushikashika are causing problems. And those who are operating mushikashika should stop it.
“They should just register their vehicles. We are also urging commuters to avoid using mushikashika. These vehicles are not even registered or insured. In the event of an accident, there is nowhere you can claim anything so we encourage the public to use registered commuter buses,” he added.
The crackdown on mushikashika has also seen the arrest of numerous individuals driving these vehicles without valid driver’s licenses.
“We arrested some people driving these vehicles without driver’s licenses. You know the attitude of those who drive mushikashika. They do not even respect other road users. So we want to tell them that we will continue to effect the law without fear or favour,” said Asst Comm Munengerwa.
The police have also raised concerns about the use of mushikashika vehicles for criminal activities, such as stock theft.
“They are also used for stock theft among other offences. At times you find goats packed in these Honda Fit vehicles. So we will continue to impound them so that owners abide by the laws of the country,” he said.
The operation is ongoing and the police have vowed to continue their efforts until sanity is restored to the roads. They have also stressed the importance of integrity and honesty within their ranks, urging officers to resist corruption.
“This is an ongoing operation and we do not intend to stop until we bring sanity on our roads. We encourage our officers to uphold uprightness and integrity. We do not want corrupt officers. Corruption does not help us, it destroys us. So we say ‘pasi ne corruption’.”
The police are urging the public to cooperate with their efforts by avoiding the use of mushikashika and reporting any suspicious activity.
