(Last Updated on March 31, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
BEITBRIDGE – Police have confirmed the arrest of four touts for physically manhandling and harassing a woman at the Dulibadzimu bus rank in Beitbridge following a viral video of the incident.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the accused persons will appear in court today.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested the four touts who were involved in the physical manhandling and harassment of a woman in a video which went viral recently. The incident occurred at Dulibadzimu Rank, Beitbridge. The touts will appear in court today, 31 March 2021. The Police applauds all Zimbabweans for the co-operation and concern over the conduct of the touts,” Nyathi said.
Nyathi implored the public to report all harassment cases by touts and to take note of the date, time and location of the incidents.
He also warned touts that the authorities will be intensifying their surveillance and monitoring while advising bus operators not to engage illegal touts.
“The Police would like to warn bus operators against employing touts as the law does not recognise their activities. Passenger have a right to board public service vehicles of their own choice without being manhandled or forced to board a particular bus or kombi against their will.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified surveillance and monitoring of all bus termini and ranks in the country. In this regard, the law will be applied without fear or favour,” he added.
The conduct of the illegal touts has been a cause for concern around the country with many known for physically manhandling the public in a bid to force them to board a certain bus or commuter omnibus.