The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged the public to report any incidents of misconduct, harassment, or criminal behaviour involving touts and rank marshals, who have become a significant problem across the country.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has expressed concern about the ongoing disruptions to public transport at bus terminals and other illegal pick-up points.
He said touts, rank marshals, and hooligans are not only interfering with public transport but also putting the safety of commuters at risk.
In a statement released on Friday, 7 February, Nyathi said that touts and rank marshals have been observed loading passengers in the middle of roads and at undesignated spots, causing traffic jams and obstructing the smooth flow of vehicles.
He added that this behaviour is worsening congestion in Central Business Districts and creating serious safety hazards for both commuters and other road users. Said Nyathi:
<blockquote>
In some instances, the touts and rank marshals, who would be visibly intoxicated, will be seen harassing and intimidating the commuting public, with others engaging in violence, theft and other criminal activities, creating an atmosphere of fear and discomfort among passengers.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police issues a stern warning to these perpetrators and urges transport operators to refrain from hiring touts and bouncers, who are not only tarnishing the reputation of the transport industry in the country but also undermining its efficiency and effectiveness.
The Police has intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for engaging in illegal practices that undermine the well-being of the commuting public.
</blockquote>
Nyathi urged the public to report any incidents of misconduct, harassment, or criminal behaviour involving touts and rank marshals to the nearest police station.
Alternatively, they can contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197.

Pindula News

The police in Zimbabwe are warning people about touts, rank marshals, and hooligans who are causing trouble at bus terminals and other places. They are disrupting public transport and making it unsafe for passengers. The police say these people are loading passengers in dangerous spots and causing traffic problems. They are also harassing and stealing from passengers, making things scary for everyone. The police are trying to catch these troublemakers and want people to report any bad behavior they see. They say transport operators should not hire these people who are giving the transport industry a bad name. If anyone sees something bad happening, they should tell the police right away.

Police Warn Touts, Rank Marshals, Hooligans, And Transport Operators Who Hire Them

Public transport operators in Harare are urging authorities to tackle the issue of rank barons, who are reportedly collecting over US$300,000 per week from more than 3,000 registered transport operators at bus terminuses and ranks in the city.
According to the operators, these rank barons and touts are extorting money from all kombis, including those in different associations and independents not affiliated with any association.
They achieve this by charging between US$1 and US$3 per kombi for a minimum of five daily trips. The exact amount depends on the time of day and passenger demand.
Ngoni Katsvairo, Secretary General of the Greater Harare Association of Commuter Operators (GHACCO), said all terminuses and ranks are under the control of touts.
Katsvairo estimated that these criminals could be collecting over US$1 million per month from this illegal activity.
The operators are calling for immediate action to put an end to this exploitation and restore order to Harare’s public transport system. Said Katsvairo:
<blockquote>
They collect at least US$2 and up to US$5 per trip depending on route. Most kombis do four to five trips per day from the rank thus almost US$1 million is being lost to these space barons per month, money which can be used to upgrade our fleet or develop the ranks like putting up security cameras, ablution facilities, repairing rank tarmac, sheds and lighting.
As GHACO we have about 1 200 kombis but all ranks in the CBD are occupied to full capacity by 3 000 public service vehicles affiliated to various associations.
It is our wish that ranks be controlled by associations and their employees who have their vehicles in ranks.
They should do this in conjunction with council enforcement. This is the only lasting solution to bring order and sanity to the public transport sector.
</blockquote>
Katsvairo said the rank barons wield considerable power. If a transport operator refuses to pay them, they are barred from loading passengers for their next trip.
He urged the Harare City Council to deploy municipal police and called for the national police to support legal operators and eliminate these criminals.
The Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), another major association in Harare, also called for the removal of the rank barons.
However, Council spokesperson Stanley Gama, responding to The Herald, denied that some illegal pirate kombi ranks in the CBD operate with impunity. He accused associations of working with the rank barons. Said Gama:
<blockquote>
The issue of rank barons is tricky. Some rogue associations themselves are cultivating this vice. Some of these barons are affiliated to the associations.
We have asked associations to disown these people by not paying them money. If forced to pay they are supposed to report the cases to the police who are more than willing to react and arrest the culprits… no reports have been received by the police or by municipal police.
</blockquote>
The council believes that 9,000 of the more than 12,000 kombis operating in Harare are operating illegally to some extent.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Harare, some bad people called rank barons are taking a lot of money from bus drivers. They charge between $1 to $3 for each trip a bus makes. This means they are making over $1 million every month! The bus drivers want the city to stop this and make things fair again. The bus drivers are asking for help from the police and the city council to fix this problem. Some people in the city council are saying that some bus companies are also working with these bad rank barons. It's a big problem in Harare, but people are trying to fix it.

"Harare Rank Barons Rake In Over US$1 Million Monthly From Kombi Operators"

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged the Police and municipalities to take action against touts (mahwindi) who intimidate, harass, and assault passengers at bus terminuses and ranks across the country.
These unruly elements are particularly prevalent at locations such as Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus, Mbare Musika, Mutare Rank, Mutoko Rank, and the Harare Exhibition Park (Showgrounds).
PAZ National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati has called on the Police to increase their presence at these hotspots and crack down on unlicensed operators and rogue elements. Said Goliati:
<blockquote>
This behaviour is unacceptable. Passengers are being bullied, manhandled, and subjected to verbal abuse by touts operating with impunity.
It is time for decisive action to protect travellers. The safety and dignity of passengers must be prioritised.
We demand the immediate arrest of these touts who are tarnishing the public transport sector. We also urge the police to work closely with municipalities to create a safer environment for passengers. Enough is enough.
</blockquote>
On Saturday, scores of passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare, with some being forced off a Mutare-bound bus by touts.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe is angry at touts who are bothering and hurting passengers at bus stops. They want the Police to stop these touts from scaring people at places like Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus and others. The Association says that passengers are being mistreated and need protection. They want the touts to be arrested and for the Police to work with the local governments to make bus stops safer. Recently, passengers were harassed at Roadport in Harare and they want it to stop. The Association is demanding action to make sure passengers are safe and respected.

Passengers Association Calls For Crackdown On "Mahwindi"

Touts from Harare caused a scene on Sunday when they allegedly seized the coffin of their deceased colleague, Darlington Mukono, and dumped it in his uncle’s shop at Nzvimbe Business Centre in Makoni South.
The touts accused Darlington’s uncle, Joshua Hweniwa Mukono, of causing Darlington’s death.
Darlington, who was employed as a kombi driver, had allegedly collapsed and died while on the steering wheel in Harare. Joshua is the brother of Darlington’s father, Edmore.
The rowdy touts, who were singing and dancing, also pasted the deceased’s pictures around the grocery shop’s wall.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/unwanted-cargo-coffin-dumped-in-shop/">The Manica Post</a>, Abisha Mukono, a cousin to Darlington, denied instigating the touts against their uncle, Joshua.
However, Abisha admitted that Joshua stands accused of causing misfortunes to family members. He said:
<blockquote>
Darlington passed on September 27 in Harare where he was working as a kombi driver. He left his house in the morning to go to work, and as he was seated at the steering wheel, his colleagues were shocked to hear him screaming, shouting “ahhh maihweee” and collapsed. They rushed him to the hospital, and he died on admission.
The family was informed of his death, and his body was ferried to Nzvimbe last Saturday night. On Sunday morning, his work colleagues created a scene, demanding an explanation for the death of their friend.
They argued that Darlington’s death was not natural, and resultantly took the coffin to Uncle Joshua’s shop.
As a family, we did not know who informed them about previous squabbles and finger-pointing in the family.
No family members accompanied the touts to the shop where they dumped the coffin on the counter. We only learnt through social media that a coffin was dumped in the shop.
Police from Nyazura arrived when the coffin had been returned home. We later buried the body in the afternoon.
</blockquote>
Abisha said none of them had engaged the businessman regarding the family disputes, and added that their uncle did not attend the funeral. He said:
<blockquote>
In the past, the family once approached a traditional healer in Nyanga who disclosed that our uncle possesses wealth-enhancing charms causing misfortunes in the family.
We did not pay the n’anga after he demanded US$ 12,000 to cleanse the family. Our uncle also did not pay for the services and agreed to leave his car as surety as he was supposed to undergo some cleansing rituals.
On the return journey, he disembarked from the kombi and ran away. We later learnt that he went to the police to file a theft of motor vehicle charge.
He was accompanied by the police to recover the vehicle, prompting the traditional healer to release it. 
He later filed criminal charges, accusing us of kidnapping, assaulting and accusing him of practising wizardry. The courts cleared us of any wrongdoing.
</blockquote>
However, Joshua attributed the family drama to longstanding tensions stemming from their father’s polygamous marriage to three wives.
He denied any involvement in bewitching his relatives and accused his brothers of harbouring jealousy toward his success.
Joshua asserted that traditional healers were perpetuating the animosity, blaming him for the misfortunes and poverty experienced by other family members.
He also claimed that $4,500 was stolen from his grocery shop, along with a variety of food items that were reportedly looted and used to provide for mourners at the funeral. Said Joshua:
<blockquote>
I do not even know the deceased, having last seen him when he was a toddler. I just heard that he had passed on, and I went there to pass my condolences.
I slept in my shop since thieves usually pounce when there are funerals in the area. The following day, I proceeded to the funeral, and while on my way I was informed that some people had dumped a coffin at my shop.
They broke into the shop and placed the coffin on the counter. They pasted the deceased’s pictures inscribed rest in peace around the shop.
They looted groceries from my shop, saying as the person responsible for Darlington’s death, I should foot the funeral expenses.
They broke into one of the rooms where I keep cash, and stole US$4 570 and two bags of maize. I reported the theft to the police, who came recorded statements before removing the pictures of the deceased from the walls.
</blockquote>
Chief Chiduku said the incident was taboo and was puzzled that the affected parties had not reported the matter to him, as he is the custodian of the area.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Touts in Harare were mad at Darlington's uncle and accused him of causing Darlington's death. They put Darlington's coffin in the uncle's shop. Darlington died while driving a kombi. The touts were upset and made a big show at the uncle's shop. The family had issues with the uncle before. The family denied getting the touts involved. The uncle said he didn't know Darlington and denied any involvement in bad luck for the family. He said the touts stole from his shop and blamed him for the funeral costs. The police got involved. Chief Chiduku was surprised no one told him about what happened.

Touts Seize Coffin Of Deceased Colleague And Dump It In Uncle's Shop

ZANU PF bigwig and businessman Isau Mupfumi was on Monday, 27 May granted US$1 000 by the courts following his arrest on Saturday for his alleged part in violent clashes over bus loading bays in Mutare, which left several people injured.
Mupfumi appeared before Mutare Provincial Magistrate Tendai Mahwe facing a charge of incitement to commit public violence.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200027505/transport-mogul-mupfumi-granted-bail">NewsDay</a>, Mupfumi was granted bail, with conditions, by consent of both the State and the defence counsel. He will return to court in June.
Mupfumi was represented by Victor Chinzamba of Mugadza and Partners Legal Practitioners.
Mutare district public prosecutor Tirivanhu Mutyasira did not oppose the bail application by Chinzamba saying Mupfumi is a businessman of repute and was not at flight risk.
Violence broke out at the Old Harare Rank and Mudzviti Rank last week, leading to a fight between Mupfumi and Mukumba bus company touts.
The court heard that on Thursday last week, Mupfumi’s senior rank marshal at Sakubva Musika rank, Farai Chitsa (39), was attacked with machetes, sjamboks, golf clubs and knives by rank marshals belonging to Mukumba Brothers.
Mupfumi then allegedly instructed Chitsa and the other rank marshals to retaliate, after which they went to Old Harare Rank driving in two commuter omnibuses.
Mupfumi’s rank marshals allegedly attacked the rival group with machetes, sjamboks, golf clubs and knives.
More than 40 touts who were arrested were denied bail by Mahwe and will return to court on June 10.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Sunday said they also want to interview Leonard Mukumba of Inter Africa Buses over the skirmishes.
NewsDay reported sources as saying Mukumba has been out of the country on business.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Businessman Isau Mupfumi Granted US$1 000 Bail

Two people were seriously injured when two rival machete-wielding tout gangs clashed at Sakubva Bus Terminus in Mutare on Thursday last week.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/machete-touts-clash-in-cbd/">The Manica Post</a>, armed police officers descended on the rank and fired warning shots in the air to quell the violence.
A witness who requested anonymity told the publication that the clashes escalated to the Harare Old Rank in the CBD where police gunshots and dogs were needed to restore order. Said the witness:
<blockquote>
The police had to be called at the Harare Old Rank after a commuter omnibus full of machete-wielding touts arrived from Sakubva Bus Terminus, and a fight broke out between touts stationed at the town rank and their rivals.
We heard that the kombi full of touts came to attack those stationed here because two of them had been injured by some goons at Sakubva Bus Terminus.
It was a scary scene as they were just beating up people indiscriminately along the way. Only police gunshots and dogs managed to stop them.
The others ran away, and the police were still looking for them.
</blockquote>
Some touts were arrested and taken to Mutare Central Police Station.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Machete-wielding Touts Clash In Mutare CBD

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered the removal of touts and other illegal vendors from the new Beitbridge border post.
This comes after the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development complained that touts were tarnishing the image of the country and hindering smooth cross-border movement.
The touts claim to be able to expedite border crossing into and out of neighbouring South Africa.
Speaking at the Ministry’s strategic planning workshop here on Thursday, Minister Felix Mhona said:
<blockquote>
I am happy we have a listening President. Recently I briefed President Mnangagwa that we still have challenges of touts and middlemen (makoronyera) at the new border post who will be waiting to intercept travellers and asking for documents, and we don’t need them there. His response was, flush them out.
We don’t want interference with the operations of the border post. If you are done with your business at the border you go straight to your destination.
We don’t want anyone outside the border asking for ZIMRA documents such as manifests.
We don’t want this to happen, it must be stopped. It must be stated that no other formalities must be conducted outside the border.
Those who know, if you get into the new border post, we have all counters including the Criminal Investigating Department.
So there is no one who should stop you outside that framework.
</blockquote>
Mhona also said traffic flow at the border had increased in the last four months and was expected to reach pre- COVID-19 pandemic levels soon. He said:
<blockquote>
We are happy that the traffic flow at the new border is picking up.
Before COVID-19, the figures used to hover around 900 (vehicles) per day. With the advent of COVID-19, the number dropped to around 300 per day.
Post COVID, although we are still in the era, we are now receiving 800 trucks a day in the last four months. This means we are slowly moving towards desired numbers.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/touts-ordered-out-of-new-beitbridge-border-post/">The Herald</a>

ED Orders Removal Of Touts From New Beitbridge Border Post

A 24-year-old man who was shot outside the Russian embassy in Harare on Wednesday night is a Zimbabwean soldier, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/10/russia-embassy-shooting-victim-a-soldier-who-wanted-ak47-to-fight-touts/">ZimLive</a>.
National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Thursday said the suspect was shot and injured and was admitted to a local hospital.
ZimLive reported diplomatic sources as saying the man was shot twice on his thigh and armpit after attempting to wrestle an AK47 rifle from a police officer guarding the embassy.
The soldier was reportedly involved in a physical confrontation with touts at a taxi rank for Bindura-bound buses on Sam Nujoma Street (formerly Second Street). Added the source:
<blockquote>
In his anger, he walked to the Russian embassy where there was a police officer on guard duties.
He demanded the gun from the officer who resisted and it appears they wrestled over the weapon until the soldier was shot.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is ruling out a robbery or political motive.
In his statement issued earlier on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi did not disclose the suspect’s name.

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