TENDAI MUERERWA
MUTARE-Police in Mutare have officially declared a zero-tolerance policy against the lawlessness and systemic harassment perpetrated by touts against the commuting public.
In a stern warning issued to touts operating at bus termini and city streets, authorities confirmed they are fully prepared to apprehend and prosecute any individuals found terrorizing the public.
​In a show of unified force, the Joint Operations Command (JOC)—a coalition featuring the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe National Army, and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service conducted high visibility exercises today in Sakubva and the Central Business District.
Following the operation, 16 suspects were taken into custody. The individuals arrested and currently facing charges are:
Charles Muparutsa, Elias Hamunakwandi, Watson Makurumbidze, Tatenda Zindi, Victor Nyahwa, Florance Masasa, Spiwe Menyamani, Loveness Chikomo, Benjamin Masanga, Anold Soko, Tawanda Mutepeya, Evans Munyaka, Panashe Muchisi, Milton Musabayana, Godfrey Bemhiwa and Lenon Harahwa.
The suspects have been officially charged and are currently being remanded in custody as they await trial. They face various charges related to the harassment of the travelling public
The arrest of these 16 individuals has been met with relief by the Mutare community. For months and travelers have reported a “nightmare” environment where belongings were often stolen or damaged during the chaos created by touts.
​The mission served two purposes which are sensitization: Educating vendors and the public on their rights to a safe working environment, Deterrence: Sending a direct message to touts that the “protection fee” rackets and physical intimidation tactics must end immediately.
The crackdown follows a surge in reports of touts operating like organized criminal syndicates. Beyond the usual chaos at bus ranks, these individuals have been accused of: Extortion Demanding illegal “facilitation and protection fees” from local vendors, Harassing commuters and forcing travelers into specific vehicles and Theft.
​”The long arm of the law will catch up with any errant elements who disrupt public safety. We are geared to put a decisive end to this lawlessness and ensure that citizens can go about their daily business without infringement”.
​Manicaland Province acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka emphasized that while security services will remain on high alert and conduct regular patrols, community participation is vital.
​Citizens are urged to immediately report rogue behavior to their nearest police station and the public is encouraged to stand firm against extortion to ensure “no one and no place is left behind” in the city’s development.
​The intervention has been met with widespread relief. For many vendors and travelers, the daily commute had devolved into a “nightmare” of physical aggression and lost belongings. The proactive presence of the law enforcement agents is seen as a necessary step in reclaiming the city’s public spaces from the grip of notorious gangs.
