By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 20 December 2025– The National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, has vowed to eradicate illegal pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, and dismantle their official-looking ranks by the New Year, following concerns raised by journalists in Mutare.
Speaking during a Police Media Engagement Programme organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) yesterday, Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning, declaring that no mushikashika vehicle should pass through a police checkpoint during the coming festive season.
The Commissioner’s strong stance came directly after journalists highlighted the issue of some police officers allegedly owning vehicles, including Toyota Wish, Honda Fit, and Probox models, commonly used for illegal taxi operations.
“I vow to stop Mushikashika as soon as possible,” Commissioner Nyathi declared. “During this festive season, no Mushikashika should pass through a police check point. If a Mushikashika passes through a check point, I advise journalists to report directly to Headquarters and we will take action.”
He specifically targeted an alleged “official” mushikashika rank in the city centre, promising its immediate closure. “By 1 January, that rank will not exist again,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi, who was accompanied by Chief Superintendent Rosum Shonhiwa and MISA Trustee Cris Chinaka, also assured journalists of their safety and encouraged them to work without fear in exposing illegal activities.
“We assure to protect Journalists. They should work without fear in exposing the rank marshals which are becoming godfathers, harassing people in the city,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner framed the relationship between the police and the media as a critical partnership for public service. “Police and Journalists are one, for we all serve the people of Zimbabwe,” he said. “There is no need for acrimony between Journalists and the police. Journalists link people with the police.”
He urged journalists to familiarise themselves with their local police District Commanders to foster better cooperation.
Shifting focus to broader road safety concerns, Commissioner Nyathi expressed alarm over reckless driving witnessed on his journey from Harare, including pirating by truck drivers. He appealed to the media to amplify reports on road offences to aid police enforcement.
“Drivers must know rules on the road and I appeal to Journalists to write about road offences, alerting the police so that offenders may be dealt with,” he said.
The Commissioner further called on the media to support national efforts to combat corruption, drug and substance abuse, rape, and murder within communities.