Staff Writer
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has noted with concern the practice by some commuter omnibus operators of teaching their touts and conductors how to drive while ferrying passengers.
Said the association in a statement:
“The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) appreciates transport owners’ investments in the industry. However, we condemn the practice of some driver-managers who run 2-5 kombis and teach their touts and conductors how to drive while ferrying passengers. This reckless behavior puts lives at risk.
” In the event of an accident, the driver-manager often arrives first and presents themselves to the police, potentially evading accountability.”
PAZ said this practice usually occurs in Harare.
“As PAZ, we discovered this through our recent survey in Harare and will be sharing our findings with relevant stakeholders, including kombi associations, the police, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
” We strongly urge the Ministry to implement deterrent measures against this dangerous practice of employing unlicensed drivers under the guise of “kugarira nekusimukirana” or on-the-job training, which is putting passenger lives at risk.”