GWANDA residents and motorists are concerned about the suicidal attitudes of
hordes drivers of pirate taxis slowly taking over the mining town.
Otherwise called "zvipipipi" the pirate taxis capitalise on the absence of local public
transport but have proved a menace on Gwanda town roads as they lack due care
and attention to other road users.
They do not even bother following road and traffic regulations. They jump traffic
lights and even dare driving up against flow of traffic.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, said there
is an ongoing operation targeting these taxi drivers.
“We are aware of what they are doing and have an ongoing operation under theme:
‘Tame the Traffic Jungle’.
“Several arrests have been made and we still continue arresting the unruly drivers,”
said Insp Mangena.
Gwanda Mayor, Councillor Thulani Moyo, said they discussed this issue with former
mayors and senior citizens.
“This is a serious issue, which is not only bothering road users but a cause for
concern to all citizens. I held a meeting with former mayors and senior citizens and
this issue was raised. Therefore, we shall look into it and address it with all
interested parties,” said Mayor Moyo.
Bad road manners by pirate taxis have irked senior citizens who have now taken
their anger to social media platforms, engaging relevant authorities, including police
to take action.
“The behaviour of these young taxi drivers is unbecoming because they disrespect
almost everyone. They are so unprofessional and rude such that I doubt whether
they are licensed drivers.
“To avoid such behaviour, I urge the relevant authorities to arrest all unregistered
taxis, drivers and owners.
“Only registered public transporters should be allowed to ferry passengers,” said one
senior citizen, adding that there must be a taxi association.
“There must be an age limit for public taxi drivers and authorities such as Traffic
Safety Council, Vehicle Inspection Department, police and city council must hold
workshops with these drivers,” he added.
Another senior citizen, who is also a businessman, Mandlenkosi Nkala, said the taxi
drivers are daring and extremely rude.

“Taxi drivers just stop in the middle of the road and ask for change from other taxis in
the process blocking other road users.
“If you try to talk them, they will insult you with unprintable insults. The boys are just
daring and rude,” said Nkala.
Saziso Ncube, another resident, said the drivers do not even care whether they are
obstructing other road users.
“They do not mind that they are obstructing other road users. They think it is their
right to do so.
“Driving from Spitzkop North into town via Phakama, uyafika isbhono sesizadubuka
ngolaka (driving behind them is annoying and frustrating),” said Ncube.
“Lokhu okwama taxi kunzima, singakhuluma konke Ma Jahunda udubo yimali.
“Ukuphiwa kwabomthetho le council imali phinde ubone i taxi ibotshwa never”
“So umthetho ukhona lakudala kodwa abayenzi lutho iyathathwa imota ubale 30
minutes siphendukile siqala ukusebenza. (The taxi drivers issue is complex, the
route cause is simple corruption.
“Once traffic police and municipal police are bribed they just let loose the offenders.
So let us address corruption first.
“Let’s fight indaba yomdizo simple.”