Members of Parliament are demanding the formalisation of touts in a bid to tackle spiralling crime and gender-based violence at the country’s bus termini.
The proposed system would see touts registered, placed in uniforms, and overseen by rank committees.
The call follows a shocking incident in which a 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Rezende Parkade rank in Harare.
Raising the issue in the National Assembly on Wednesday, ZANU-PF Women’s Quota MP Getrude Mutandi described touts as a growing “menace” and pressed for swift measures, warning that bus ranks have become breeding grounds for the harassment and abuse of women and girls. She said:
“Mr Speaker Sir, I rise on a matter of urgent national concern on the escalating lawlessness at urban and intercity bus ranks, which has become a breeding ground for criminality and gender-based violence, particularly targeting women, girls and the elderly.
“Sites like Mbare, Roadport, Showground, Dangamvura and Old Renkin have descended into chaos, with touts overtaking local authority control, enforcing illegal levies and fostering environments of drug abuse and violence.
“Tragically, this breakdown has led to horrific crimes.”
Mutandi warned that the situation is fast turning into a crisis and urged the formalisation of touts as a decisive step to end the menace. She said:
“The absence of law enforcement has turned bus ranks into zones of terror. Women and girls are no longer safe.
“Efforts to curb tout activity remain inconsistent and ineffective. I therefore propose: immediate enforcement of criminal laws and municipal by-laws to restore order and protect passengers and formalisation of tout roles through registration, uniforms and a rank committee to ensure accountability.”
Mutandi further urged increased police visibility at major bus termini and the installation of surveillance cameras to help deter violence and protect commuters.
More: The Herald
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