Police in ‘No to Touts' Crackdown
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 410 touts across the country in a major crackdown dubbed “No To Touts”.
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In a statement released on Saturday, the ZRP revealed that this operation targets gangs involved in touting, who harass, threaten, and force travellers to board public service vehicles and pirate taxis. ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated,
“As at 20th June 2024, a total of 410 touts were arrested and taken to court for the law to take its course.”
The ZRP has engaged the Judicial Service Commission to ensure that the suspects appear in court in batches, eliminating the possibility of being released after paying deposit fines at police stations.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi added:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged the Judicial Service Commission for all suspects arrested to appear in court in batches. In this regard, no deposit fines will be accepted at Police Stations.”
Police in ‘No to Touts' Crackdown
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a stern warning to public service vehicle operators and their crews against employing touts. He emphasized that operators will face legal consequences if found guilty of employing touts.
The ZRP extended the warning to pirate taxis, or mushikashika vehicles, which use touts to carry out illegal activities such as picking up and dropping off passengers at undesignated points. These operators will also face the full force of the law.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi concluded by urging the public to report anyone involved in touting activities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges the public to report anyone engaged in touting activities at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.”
