By a Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says it will maintain its nationwide crackdown on illegal pirate taxis, commonly known as mshika-mshika, and vehicles operating without registration plates.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said authorities have accounted for more than 20,000 pirate taxis in Harare alone since January, describing the operation as a crucial step towards improving road safety and restoring order on the country’s roads.
“We have accounted for over 20,000 pirate taxis in Harare. That’s why I am saying we are not going back,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He urged Zimbabweans to support the ongoing operation by reporting traffic violations and playing an active role in promoting road safety.
“We want Zimbabweans to also take note that they have got a role to play in terms of road safety, the blitz against pirate taxis, and also vehicles without number plates,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi said the enforcement campaign has already produced positive results, with more motorists complying with vehicle registration requirements.
“You can see now that, for example, in Harare, most of the vehicles now, including government vehicles, have number plates,” he added.
Police said the nationwide operation will continue as part of broader efforts to enforce traffic laws, eliminate illegal public transport operators, and improve safety for all road users.
The government is actively trying to eliminate mushikashika entirely due to reckless driving, over-crowding, and high involvement in hit-and-run accidents.
Under the Harare Master Plan (2025–2045), the city has declared an immediate ban on pirate taxis and is rolling out a plan to completely phase out informal commuter omnibuses (kombis) by 2028.
Pirate taxes have taken advantage of the shortage of public transport in most urban centres.
