The ZRP has revealed that 13K unregistered kombis are operating in Harare out of the staggering 16K kombis operating worldwide.According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, only 3,000 of the estimated 16,000 kombis operating in Harare are officially registered. This leaves a shocking 13,000 kombis operating illegally, creating a significant challenge for authorities and endangering the lives of commuters and other road users.
13K Unregistered Kombis: A Threat to Public Safety
Commissioner Nyathi has raised serious concerns about the blatant disregard for transport regulations among kombi operators. Many of these operators are avoiding licensing fees and bypassing critical legal requirements, which are essential for ensuring public transport services’ safety and reliability.
“This situation is completely unacceptable,” Nyathi stated. “Public transport operators must adhere to the law to guarantee passenger safety and maintain order on the roads. The proliferation of unregistered kombis is a major contributor to road chaos, reckless driving, and even criminal activities.”
13K unregistered kombis operating in Harare-Image Source@newsday
The rise in unregistered kombis has led to a surge in road accidents, increased traffic congestion, and frequent clashes between law enforcement officers and defiant operators. Additionally, many of these vehicles lack proper insurance, leaving passengers vulnerable and without recourse in the event of an accident.
Police warn the public of criminal activities linked to kombis
Reports have also surfaced linking some of these unregistered kombis to criminal activities. These include robberies and illegal fare hikes, further exacerbating the challenges commuters and authorities face. The lack of regulation and oversight has created an environment where such activities can thrive unchecked.
Enforcement Challenges and Evasion Tactics
In response to the crisis, the Harare City Council, in collaboration with the police, has launched several operations to crack down on unregistered vehicles. However, enforcement has proven to be a significant challenge. Kombi operators often use alternative routes to avoid police roadblocks, while others resort to bribing officials to escape penalties.
This cat-and-mouse game between authorities and kombi operators has made it difficult to regulate the sector and ensure compliance with transport laws effectively.
