Government Intensifies Crackdown on Mushika-Shika Operators With Over 9,000 Arrests

Government Intensifies Crackdown on Mushika-Shika Operators With Over 9,000 Arrests

Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Tayerera Faranisi revealed to Parliament’s Transport Portfolio Committee that law enforcement agencies have apprehended 9,289 illegal operators since January 2025.

The ongoing crackdown aims to restore order to the country’s transportation sector and improve road safety.

“Our sustained operations against illegal transport operators continue to yield results, with 9,289 arrests and fines issued since the beginning of the year,” Faranisi stated during the parliamentary session.

Committee members raised concerns about the disruption and safety hazards caused by unregulated transport operators. The discussion focused on finding lasting solutions to the problems plaguing the nation’s roads, including accidents and traffic violations attributed to illegal operators.

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Police Official Highlights Systemic Corruption In Transport Industry

Deputy Commissioner General of Police (Operations) Leny Ncube addressed the committee, acknowledging widespread corruption involving both transport operators and law enforcement personnel. He described a troubling system where operators budget for bribes rather than complying with legal requirements.

“We face a situation where individuals essentially allocate funds specifically for bribing officers. While we have many honest police members, we cannot ignore that corruption exists on both sides,” Ncube explained.

Ncube painted a grim picture of systemic corruption, stating that transport crews actively participate in bribery schemes, operators prefer paying bribes over legal fees, the practice has become an entrenched survival mechanism, and corruption involves multiple stakeholders in the system.

Call for National Anti-Corruption Campaign

The police official emphasised the need for a comprehensive national effort to combat corruption in the transport sector. He noted that bribery requires willing participants on both sides, with operators often initiating corrupt transactions to avoid proper procedures and payments.

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“Corruption is destroying our society from within. Police officers don’t corrupt themselves – someone must offer the bribe. When a $20 fee becomes a $30 bribe, everyone loses except the corrupt,” Ncube stated.

The parliamentary session concluded with commitments to strengthen enforcement and implement stricter measures against both illegal operators and corrupt officials in the transportation industry.