Arron Nyamayaro Police in Harare have launched a major crackdown on touts harassing pedestrians and passengers, resulting in the arrest of 143 since Monday. This follows several reports of harassment of travellers that has raised significant concerns about safety in public transport and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations, especially curbing touts who are seen as the centre of criminal activity involving kombis and who provide no value to travellers or kombi crews. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza reported that 143 touts were arrested in a series of operations aimed at restoring order in the city’s transport system. The arrests unfolded as follows: 25 touts were taken into custody on Monday, 30 on Tuesday, 45 on Wednesday and 33 on Thursday. Police are conducting a broader operation targeting kombis operating without proper documentation and those picking up passengers at unauthorised locations. The crackdown is part of a larger initiative to address rampant lawlessness in the city centre, where touts have increasingly harassed pedestrians and passengers. Insp Chakanza said the police are committed to ensure public safety. “During the blitz, 143 touts were arrested and taken to court. Police continue to warn touts over harassing pedestrians and passengers,” he said. Many of those arrested are likely to spend the long weekend in Remand Prison as they await bail applications. In response to the escalating situation, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, the Officer Commanding Harare province, is set to address kombi drivers and transport operators today regarding the fate of impounded vehicles held at the Chikurubi Police Support Unit yard. The meeting aims to clarify regulations and improve compliance among transport operators. Further, Commissioner Chikunguru will lead a traffic safety initiative at Mbare Musika, involving other stakeholders, including the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, City of Harare, Vehicle Inspection Department and transport associations. The collaborative effort aims to enhance safety standards and restore public confidence in Harare’s transport system. As police continue their operations, the community awaits further developments in both the crackdown on touts and the ongoing investigation into the rape case, underscoring the urgent need for safety reforms in public transport.