What causes mushikashika? [wanton pick and droping of passengers] Why can’t it be exterminated? In the past month, the Office of the President and Cabinet took a remarkable stance by summoning road traffic stakeholders (Zimbabwe Republic Police, Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Vehicle Inspection Department, kombi operators and City of Harare, among others) to a Rapid Results Initiative against mushikashika in Harare’s central business district.
By Tatenda Chinoda
The stakeholders were given a one-month ultimatum to deal with the mushikashika road traffic menace which has often resulted in the loss of life and limb.
Nevertheless, there are startling revelations that mushikashika is here to stay so long as it is “authored, owned and protected by the influential” members of our society who appear untouchable by the law. Mushikashika is a coined Shona name which refers to the negligent, unruly and illegal behaviour by pirate (unregistered) taxi and kombi drivers. They dangerously drive, pick and drop passengers anywhere and anyhow. They fearlessly and shamelessly disregard road rules and regulations to gratify their selfish whims and insatiate greed for quick gains.
I have witnessed a couple of kombis operating illegally everyday along Park Lane, opposite Construction House. About 200m away, where Cameroon Street intersects with Jason Moyo, there is a jungle of pirate taxis plying their illegal trade as if it was legal.
Why is this happening every day? Has the illegal become legal? Are efforts by the municipal police and traffic police cosmetic? Who owns these pirate taxis and kombis? Are these owners immune to prosecution? Have the traffic police and municipal police failed to contain mushikashika?
Tatenda Chinoda is a traffic safety marketing officer. He is an apt road safety educator and seasoned defensive driving instructor. He can be contacted on [email protected] / [email protected]; cell / whatsapp 0772 966 075 or phone 04 – 751203).
