Legislator Gertrude Mutandi calls for formalization of touting system and enhanced police presence to end “zones of terror” at major bus ranks.
By Zim GBC News Harare Correspondent
HARARE – Parliament is pushing for a major crackdown on illegal touts at the country’s bus termini, following the horrific rape of a 13-year-old girl at Rezende bus terminus in the capital.
The incident has ignited public fury and forced lawmakers to propose urgent measures to curb what they describe as an escalating national crisis of lawlessness and gender-based violence targeting women and girls.
Legislator Gertrude Mutandi, speaking in the National Assembly, highlighted the failure of previous campaigns by municipal officers and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to tame the menace. She stated that touts now operate with “reckless abandon,” creating environments of drug abuse and violence.
“The escalating lawlessness at urban and intercity bus ranks has become a breeding ground for criminality,” Mutandi said.
“Sites like Mbare, Road Port, Dangamvura, and Old Renkini have descended into chaos… The absence of law enforcement has turned bus ranks into zones of terror. Women and girls are no longer safe.”
Mutandi proposed a multi-pronged solution to bring order and accountability to the transport system.
“I therefore propose: immediate enforcement of criminal laws and bylaws to restore order and protect passengers, formalisation of tout roles through registration, uniforms, and rank committees to ensure accountability, [and] enhanced police presence at major bus termini,” she said.
The rape of the teenager has spurred civil society organizations to petition the government, adding pressure for immediate and effective action to ensure the safety of commuters.
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