Harare, (New Ziana) – The commuter omnibus driver whose
dangerous driving on the pavement in the Harare Central Business
District went viral on social media has been arrested, the police has
confirmed.
Nikisi Peter (29) was apprehended after he was captured on video driving
dangerously on the pavement along Julius Nyerere Way, outside an OK
Zimbabwe Supermarket.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday last week, sparked a public
outrage, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
Shortly after the video went viral, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
received a tip-off that Peter was leaving the CBD in his Toyota Hiace
heading to Chitungwiza, and set up a roadblock along Seke Road.
“As police awaited the kombi’s arrival at the roadblock near ABC
Auctions, Peter attempted to evade capture by reversing the vehicle,”
said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“However, his escape was thwarted by oncoming traffic, leading him to
switch off the engine and flee on foot, leaving the kombi behind.
Authorities subsequently impounded the vehicle.”
Ass Com Nyathi said the hunt for Peter ended on Wednesday when police
received credible information about his location, leading to his arrest.
The incident is part of a broader crackdown on illegal transport
activities in Zimbabwe, under the operation dubbed “No to Mushikashika.”
The operation aims to address the proliferation of unregistered and
unsafe vehicles in the country and as of Wednesday, police reported a
staggering 538 arrests, bringing to 8 233.the total number of arrests
since the operation started.
Among the detained are 204 touts while 67 unregistered or plateless
vehicles have been impounded.
Comm Nyathi reiterated the importance of adhering to road rules and
regulations, emphasizing that reckless driving endangers the lives of
both motorists and pedestrians.
New Ziana