The shortage of public transport after government force private players out of the business under the guise of curbing the spread of Covid 19, is haunting the dormitory town of Epworth and endangering commuters.
Many commuters who travel to and from Harare daily from Epworth, have been left at the mercy of illegal and dangerous transport operators called Mushikasika as they struggle to make ends meet.
Government has insisted that incompetent public transport operator Zupco, be the sole transporter of thousands who earn their keep from Harare.
These Zupco buses failed to meet demand and left many stranded especially early morning as they rush to work and late at night on their way back.
The use of mushikashika has left women vulnerable as some have been waylaid and had their possessions stolen.
Apart from the crime associated with the illegal transport system, they have also become death traps as they engage in running battles with police.
There have been many accidents which have gone unreported but recorded daily in Epworth as the illegal operators try to evade spike throwing and baton wielding police.
Regardless of the dangers an Epworth commuter identified only as Mrs Shumba she said used the illegal transport operators because she had no option.
“Mushikashika is not safe but use it because I need to be at work on time or I lose my job, and I also need to be home on time in the evening I have no option but use mushikashika as there will be long queues at the Zupco bus terminus,” she said.
By Patience Bushe