Legislators have called for the formalisation of touts as part of efforts to curb escalating crime and gender-based violence at the nation’s bus termini.

The proposal, raised in the National Assembly on Wednesday, suggests registering touts, introducing uniforms, and establishing rank committees to bring order to bus ranks that have become notorious for lawlessness.

The call follows a recent incident in which a 13-year-old girl was reportedly raped at Rezende Parkade rank in Harare, highlighting growing safety concerns at public transport points.

ZANU-PF Women’s Quota representative, Cde Getrude Mutandi, said urgent action was needed to protect vulnerable groups. “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,” she said.

She said major bus ranks such as Mbare, Roadport, Showground, Dangamvura and Old Renkin had “descended into chaos, with touts overtaking local authority control, enforcing illegal levies and fostering environments of drug abuse and violence.”

According to Cde Mutandi, this breakdown in order has tragically led to horrific crimes. “This is growing into a crisis. The absence of law enforcement has turned bus ranks into zones of terror. Women and girls are no longer safe,” she said.

She added that current efforts to curb tout activity were “inconsistent and ineffective” and proposed a structured system to bring accountability. “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.”

In addition, she called for increased police presence at major bus termini and the installation of surveillance cameras to deter violence and safeguard commuters.

Herald online Original article

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