Harare City Council Imposes US$154 Fines on Unregistered Taxis as Crackdown Intensifies

Harare Steps Up Crackdown on Unregistered Taxis With US$154 Fines

Harare City Council has imposed a steep US$154 fine on unregistered taxis.

The council has also launched a coordinated crackdown on illegal taxi operations, as part of its efforts to restore order in the capital’s chaotic urban transport system.

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Joint Inspections Replace ‘Silo’ Enforcement

City chamber secretary Warren Chiwawa said the local authority had adopted a unified enforcement model after recognising that the previous system weakened compliance.

“Various units of council have been brought together to enforce these by-laws at intensified levels,” he said.

Under the new approach, building inspectors, municipal police, the fire brigade, environmental health officers and revenue officials now conduct joint inspections at the same premises, ensuring that all aspects of municipal regulation are checked at once.

Chiwawa said this structure eliminates fragmented enforcement, calling it a “holistic system” designed to improve accountability and efficiency.

US$154 Penalty Meant to Deter Illegal Operators

The council has introduced stiff fines targeting taxis and kombis operating without proper registration.

While an ordinary traffic offence for private motorists attracts US$34, unregistered public transport operators face an additional US$120 penalty and administration fees, bringing the total fine to US$154.

“This fine is both punitive and dissuasive,” Chiwawa said, adding that the council intends to discourage illegal operators who have contributed to disorder on city roads.

Council Says Crackdown Balanced With Awareness Efforts

Despite the heightened enforcement, Chiwawa said the city was also prioritising fairness and encouraging voluntary compliance.

“As a way of encouraging compliance, a lenient approach has been adopted towards those with proper papers,” he noted.

He added that the council is conducting regular awareness campaigns urging illegal operators to regularise their businesses before penalties become unavoidable.