Crackdown on Chaos: Harare Police Arrest Reckless Kombi Drivers Caught on CCTV

The streets of Harare's Central Business District (CBD) have long been a battlefield for pedestrians, but recent reckless behavior by kombi (minibus) drivers and their conductors has escalated the danger to life-threatening levels. For residents navigating the heart of the capital, the pavement—once a sanctuary for foot traffic—has increasingly been invaded by public transport vehicles seeking to bypass congested lanes. This blatant disregard for road rules and human life has prompted a decisive response from law enforcement.

The Friday Crackdown and Identification of Suspects

Following a string of dangerous traffic violations, police launched a targeted operation on Friday, resulting in the successful apprehension of nine individuals. The arrests were made possible through the strategic use of the city's surveillance network, with the suspects' criminal maneuvers captured clearly on CCTV cameras.

The group, consisting of both drivers and conductors, was publicly led to Harare Central Police Station in handcuffs, sending a clear message that lawlessness will no longer be tolerated. The nine suspects have been identified as:

- Innocent Vera (31)

- Archford Dhlamini (34)

- Justice Mukucha (23)

- Isaac Danzvara (30)

- Moses Mandimutsira (17)

- Ashley Kandonga (30)

- Trymore Nyakabau (29)

- Liberty Kudzange (34)

- Leo Zuze (34)

Violations and Public Safety Alarms

The primary cause for these arrests was the highly dangerous practice of mounting pavements in the CBD to avoid traffic. One particularly alarming incident occurred along Speke Avenue, where a speeding kombi forced pedestrians to scramble for cover. Witnesses described a scene of pure panic as the vehicle tore through a space designated for walkers, narrowly missing commuters and street vendors.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrests and highlighted that these maneuvers are not merely traffic infractions but serious threats to public safety. The use of video evidence has proven instrumental in building cases against those who believe they can escape accountability once they leave the scene of the crime.

Police Response: "Their Days are Numbered"

In response to the growing outcry from the public, the police have intensified their presence across the city. Officers have been deployed on every major street to monitor traffic flow and deter reckless behavior. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the surveillance net is widening; the identification of these nine suspects via CCTV is only the beginning of a broader campaign to restore order.

The police have issued a stern, ongoing warning to all drivers and conductors: any action that threatens the lives of residents will be met with the full force of the law. As Inspector Chakanza and his team continue their surveillance-led crackdown, the message to the city's rogue transporters remains clear and uncompromising: "Their days are numbered."