Kombis Bleed Harare Passengers Dry as Fares Soar

Commuters in Harare are crying foul over rampant overcharging by kombi crews and touts, particularly during peak hours and poor weather conditions.

So says Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) National Coordinator Tafadzwa Goliati, who has described the trend as “blatant exploitation of struggling citizens.”

This comes as a typical 10–15km trip now costs as much as US$1.50 to US$2, leaving many stranded or turning to risky alternatives like open lorry rides and illegal pirate taxis, locally known as mushikashika.

Speaking to The Eastern Review, Goliati condemned the profiteering mindset of some kombi crews, saying it reflects a worrying disregard for the daily hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.

He warned that the focus on exploiting commuters for short-term gain only fuels frustration and worsens the already chaotic public transport system.

“It’s outrageous that some operators are more concerned about squeezing every dollar from commuters than solving the mushikashika menace.